Minister boycotts MSU convocation; CJP’s Gen Z lacks sanskar: Guv

CHENNAI: The 33rd convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) witnessed much drama on Tuesday, when Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan and two local MLAs boycotted the event, citing the relegation of ‘Tamil Thaai Vazhthu’ to the third position, after the rendition of the national anthem and national song. Later, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in his address, criticised the recent Gen Z protest in New Delhi while praising the sanskar (moral values) of MUS’s students.

Manonmaniam students protest change in degree distribution

Tension prevailed after the organisers made a last-minute announcement that the governor would confer medals only on 113 gold medallists, instead of all 871 students at the ceremony. However, when he learnt about the students' disappointment, he reversed the decision and conferred awards on all 871 students at the ceremony.

The governor apologised to the students for the inconvenience caused and praised them for their "good sanskaras".

Minister, MLAs boycott Manonmaniam convocation ceremony

"Many times people speak ill of the younger generation. Nowadays we are tempted to call them Gen-Z. In recent times, we have seen what happened at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. I am comparing the Gen-Z there with my young, capable and experienced students here. What a big difference," he said.

The governor further said, "You have got all the talents and got all the sanskaras from your families, your schools and this university, which they didn't have. Their demands may be just, but the sanskaras they displayed certainly did not reflect your culture and nature."

"We have a rich culture to follow, and Tamil Nadu has always shared that culture with the rest of the nation. What you have shown today should be replicated throughout the country," Arlekar said.

The Governor also revealed he had been informed that some people might create trouble during the convocation. "Ignoring everything, you are present here. “I am proud of you,” he added.

Referring to the absence of pro-chancellor Viswanathan and senior State government officials, Arlekar said, "They should have come here to see the satisfaction on your faces, which makes me very happy."

Interestingly, chief guest B Madhusoodhana Kurup, founding vice-chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, said, "Every official function in Tamil Nadu begins with ‘Tamil Thaai Vazhthu’, as a tribute to the Tamil language."

Tamil Nadu Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, who was scheduled to receive his post-doctoral degree at the convocation, did not attend the function.