Archive · 18 Aug 2026
TISS Names Dr C S Pramesh Chief Guest for Rescheduled Convocation
A big school called TISS was getting ready for a special day when students receive their degrees.
The ceremony was planned for August 2, with a very important judge as the special guest.
But two days before, the school suddenly changed the date.
Some people thought the school was worried about students protesting during the judge's visit.
The judge could not come to the new date because his schedule was full until November.
So the school chose a new special guest, Dr C S Pramesh, who is the director of a famous hospital.
The new ceremony will be on August 22.
Many students and families were upset because they had already booked travel and hotels.
Some of their bookings could not be refunded.
The school said it would help pay back travel and accommodation costs for students who qualified.
Now everyone is waiting for the new ceremony day to celebrate the graduates.
TISS postponed its 86th convocation two days before the original August 2 date, citing 'unforeseen circumstances'.
Dr C S Pramesh, Director of Tata Memorial Hospital, will be chief guest at the rescheduled ceremony on August 22.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant was earlier named chief guest but declined as his calendar was full until November.
The postponement sparked speculation that TISS apprehended student protests during the CJI's visit, linked to 'cockroach' remarks attributed to Justice Surya Kant.
TISS assured graduating students that eligible travel and accommodation expenses from the postponement would be reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.
- Who
- Dr C S Pramesh, Director of Tata Memorial Hospital, will be chief guest; Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant was earlier named but declined.
- What
- TISS rescheduled its 86th convocation to August 22 with a new chief guest.
- When
- August 22, after the original ceremony on August 2 was postponed; the postponement was announced two days before the event.
- Where
- TISS Naoroji Campus, Deonar, Mumbai, attended by graduates from campuses across the country.
- Why
- TISS cited 'unforeseen circumstances' and said proceeding as scheduled could have affected well-being; the CJI's calendar was full until November.
Student and campus perspectives
Institute and official perspective
Reason for postponement
Student and campus perspectives
Students and campus officials speculated the administration was apprehensive about possible protests and security concerns during the CJI's visit.
Institute and official perspective
TISS officially cited 'unforeseen circumstances' and said the ceremony could not be held in a 'conducive environment' without affecting well-being.
Link to 'cockroach' controversy
Student and campus perspectives
Some students linked the postponement concerns to protests associated with the Cockroach Janta Party amid controversy over remarks attributed to Justice Surya Kant.
Institute and official perspective
The institution's formal statements did not cite protests or the remarks as a reason, and the CJI's office said his calendar was full until November.
- Institute
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
- Event
- 86th Convocation
- Original Date
- August 2
- Rescheduled Date
- August 22
- Chief Guest
- Dr C S Pramesh, Director, Tata Memorial Hospital
- Earlier Chief Guest
- Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India
- Reason for New Chief Guest
- CJI's calendar full until November
- Venue
- Naoroji Campus, Deonar, Mumbai
Sources
Dr Pramesh to be chief guest at TISS convocation; CJI’s calendar is full, institute informed
TISS names Tata Memorial director Dr CS Pramesh chief guest for August 22 convocation after CJI Surya Kant declines - Telegraph India
