TISS Postpones Convocation Over Security Concerns

Mumbai: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has postponed its 86th Convocation, which was scheduled to be held on August 2. The decision was communicated to students through an official email sent shortly after midnight.

According to the institute, the convocation has been deferred due to "unforeseen circumstances" and security considerations. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant was expected to attend the event as the chief guest, while Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Ravindra Ghuge was invited as the guest of honour.

Institute officials said the decision was taken after reviewing security inputs received ahead of the event. Authorities reportedly assessed that the prevailing situation could affect the smooth conduct of the ceremony and the safety of students, faculty members, staff and invited dignitaries.

In its official statement, TISS said the institution considered the safety of everyone involved as its highest priority and concluded that the convocation could not be conducted in an appropriate environment under the prevailing circumstances.

The sudden postponement has caused inconvenience to hundreds of graduating students and their families. Many had already booked flights, train tickets and hotel accommodation to attend the ceremony in Mumbai.

Acknowledging the inconvenience, the institute stated that applications seeking reimbursement for financial losses caused by the last-minute postponement would be considered on a case-by-case basis. TISS also assured students that a revised date for the convocation would be announced soon.

For students requiring their degree certificates immediately for employment, higher education or other official purposes, the institute said provisional certificates would be issued to ensure their academic and professional plans are not disrupted.

The institute has advised students to rely only on official communication regarding the rescheduled ceremony and avoid unverified information circulating on social media.