Honorary doctorates handed to South Indian film celebrities and others by the International Anti-Corruption and Human Right Council on February 26 at the Anna University in Madras have turned out to be fake, causing deep embarrassment to the University as well as the recipients. It is believed that no such Council exists and the entire ceremony was a scam.
Retired Madras high court judge T.N. Vallinayagam, who handed out the certificates, is now busy apologising to people. The Anna University is trying to conduct an inquiry.
Doctorates were handed out to music director Deva, actors Gokul Gajaraj and Erode Mahesh, and choreographer Sandy. The Council members went to screen comedian Vadivelu’s house to present him his degree. Vadivelu belted out an MGR film song on the occasion!
The invitation for the ceremony displayed the national emblem and Anna University’s name in bold, prompting many of the invitees to think that the organisers were part of the varsity. The fact is that the University auditorium had only been rented out.