Vadivelu, Deva, Parithabangal fame Gopi and Sudhakar conned with fake honourary doctorate certificates?

A few days ago, around 30 prominent personalities were conferred honourary doctorate certificates at the Anna University campus premises in Chennai. This list included Vaigai Puyal Vadivelu, Thenisai Thendral Deva, Parithangal fame Gopi and Sudhakar, standup comedian Erode Mahesh to name a few. The awards were presented by a private organisation called International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Council. The event was held at the auditorium at the campus.

However, now we hear that the organisation has issued fake doctorate degrees in Anna University’s name. Anna University chancellor has said that the university has given space to the organisation to conduct an awards function. Though the request was denied, it was later accepted after the organisation produced a 'recommendation letter' from Justice Dr T Vallinayagam. Later, the university provided space for half a day. But it was not revealed that the award function involved issuing honorary doctorates. Though the event was advertised as an award ceremony organised by the private organisation, it had Anna University’s name prominently displayed on the invitations.

Justice Vallinayagam, on the other hand, had stated that he didn't issue any recommendation letters. Now it is believed that the 'recommendation letter too is fake, just like the honourary awards. In the meantime, the university has stated that they are sorry that such an event was held in the campus and those who received the awards were also conned. Since the event was held at the campus, many are said to have believed that the event was conducted by the university itself.The university is likely to no longer rent out space for private organisations. The issue has created quite a stir in academic circles and in the entertainment industry.

Though Deva, Gopi and Sudhakar and Erode Mahesh received the award in person, Vadivelu did not attend the event and he was said to have felicitated at home.