Noted Tamil writer Jayakanthan, Archaeologist Iravatham Mahadevan and Music expert P.R.Thilakam will be conferred Doctorates (D.Litt) at the general convocation to be held at Tamil University on December 21, Monday according to M.Rajendran, Vice-chancellor, Tamil University.
The VC told presspersons that Tamil University has been conducting special convocations to confer doctorate degrees on eminent personalities. In general convocations also eminent personalities were given doctorates.
In the special convocation held in 1984, Dhandapani Desikar, Shankara Sthapathi, Thiruvenkadu Subramanya Pillai, Avinasilingam and Thaninayaga Adigal were conferred doctorates. In 1991, Kripananda Wariar and others were conferred doctorates. In 2001, Dr.V.I.Subramanian and A.S.Gnanasambandanar were conferred doctorates.
The December 21 convocation is held after three years. Governor of Tamil Nadu Surjit Singh Barnala, who is also the chancellor the University will preside over the convocation and distribute degrees. Higher Education minister K.Ponmudi will take part. Convocation address will be delivered by R.Chanbakalakshmi, former history professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University.
One hundred and sixty five candidates will get doctorates (Ph.Ds), 702 M.Phil degrees, 488 post graduate degrees and 93 students degrees in the convocation.
Steps are being taken for conducting convocation every year, Mr. Rajendran said.