Hours after it triggered a huge controversy, Periyar University in Salem, Tamil Nadu withdrew its circular asking the students not to wear black clothes during the convocation ceremony on Wednesday. The University reportedly feared there could be protests as Governor R.N. Rav is expected to attend the event.
Earlier, the university had sent out a circular to the students, advising them not to wear black clothes and avoid using mobile phones during the function.
The circular said that the instructions were given by the university administration based on the instructions from Salem district police. The circular was issued by University Registrar K. Thangavel's office. The 21st convocation ceremony of the university is scheduled to happen on Wednesday and Governor R.N. Ravi who is the chancellor of all universities in Tamil Nadu will preside over the event.
However, police sources told THE WEEK that the police did not ask the university administration to issue any such instructions. Police sources said that they visited the premises only to oversee security arrangements for the event. “We did not ask the university to send out any such circular,” police sources told THE WEEK.
The circular stirred a huge controversy in the state, as black is a colour associated with Periyar and Dravida Kazhagam. Since black is known to be symbol of protest, sources say the circular was issued by the university administration as it feared there might be protests or opposition from the students against the governor.
