R.N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu and Chancellor of University of Madras, giving away a degree certificate to a student at the 167th convocation of the university on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
| Photo Credit: SRINATH M
Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan on Thursday boycotted the 167th convocation of the University of Madras.
“Governor R.N. Ravi continues to do things that tarnish the reputation of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, and continues to act against Tamil, the Tamil people, and Tamil Nadu. The Governor, who is discrediting the knowledge and talent of Tamil Nadu students and spreading lies, does not have the right to award degrees,” the Minister said in a statement.
A total of 1,93,686 students received their degrees at the convocation, with 187 students receiving endowment cash prizes and medals, and 182 rank-holders.
Addressing the students, Higher Education Secretary P. Shankar said, “This year, our students have set new standards of excellence, with 127 students qualifying for NET, 94 succeeding in GATE, and 42 of our postgraduate research scholars earning senior research fellowships from leading institutions such as CSIR and ICMR.”
A professor was awarded a Doctorate of Science, while another received a Doctorate of Letters.
Meanwhile, a total of 951 candidates received their Ph.D degrees. Governor and Chancellor of University of Madras R.N Ravi conferred the degrees.
Speaking at the ceremony A. Sivathanu Pillai, former CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace said, “At present India has 800 million youth below the age of 35. This most valued resource of our country needs to be nurtured. India’s talented youth with higher education must go on a knowledge acquisition, knowledge imparting, knowledge creation and knowledge sharing. We must create innovation and a knowledge-based society.”
Urging the graduates to carry hope, humility and sense of purpose he added that they must not just strive for success but also for significance. “Work not just for yourselves but also for a world that future generations can inherit with pride…,” he said.
A total of 1,72,463 students received their degrees in-absentia of affiliated colleges and other departments of the University while 19,859 students received their degrees from the Institute of Distance Education and 41 candidates received their Ph.D degrees.
Published – January 22, 2026 09:33 pm IST
