Hyderabad Off-Campus

Tata Institute of Social Sciences Takes Firm Stand Against Disruption at Convocation Ceremony

Category: News

Press Release
Tata Institute of Social Sciences Takes Firm Stand Against Disruption at Convocation Ceremony: Hyderabad, 30th September 2024 -

 The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has taken decisive action following a recent incident during the institute’s annual convocation ceremony. During the event, a student named Ablaz Mohammed Schemnad, who was receiving a Master’s in Development Studies, disrupted the proceedings and insulted the decorum of the ceremony, negatively impacting the experience of graduates, their families, faculty, and esteemed guests.

During the ceremony, Mr. Schemnad wore a keffiyeh while proceeding to receive his degree on stage, claiming it as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine. In light of the solemn nature of the convocation, he was requested to remove the keffiyeh, but he declined. Consequently, security personnel did not allow him on stage and requested him to drape the institute's shawl, which he also refused.
The 10th Annual Convocation of the TISS, Hyderabad, took place on September 29, 2024. The Chief Guest for the occasion was the Governor of Telangana, Hon’ble Shri Vishnu Dev Varma. The event was graced by Chancellor Prof. D.P. Singh, former Chairman of the UGC; Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari, also the Director of IIM Mumbai; and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Shankar Das. This year, 216 students received their degrees.
The university firmly believes that ceremonies of this nature are significant milestones in the lives of students and their families, celebrating hard work, dedication, and achievement. Disruptions undermine the integrity of such events and reflect a lack of respect for the efforts of all involved and the institute itself.
In accordance with the university’s code of conduct, disciplinary action was taken against the involved student. These actions aim to foster a respectful and supportive campus environment and to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The institute does not tolerate behaviours that detracts from its noble mission.
Ultimately, the student and his parents offered sincere apologies to the authorities. Considering the student's career and showing magnanimity, the institute has decided to confer the degree upon him when he came to receive the degree without the keffiyeh.

For media inquiries, please contact: Prof. Aseem Prakash, Campus Director