CHENNAI, July 29 -- Tamil Nadu higher education minister P Viswanathan boycotted the 33rd convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli on Tuesday after the Centre's directive placed the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, third on the programme. Viswanathan, who is also the university's pro-chancellor, skipped the ceremony in protest while Tamil Nadu governor Rajendra Arlekar, chief guest, presented degrees to new graduates. A dispute has been simmering in the state since a circular from the Centre in February instructed that Vande Mataram be played first at events presided over by the Governor and President, followed by the national anthem and then the state anthem. On May 10, the row flared when the state anthem was played third at swearing-in of C Joseph Vijay as the CM. VC Professor Dr N Chandrasekar announced at convocation that Viswanathan could not participate due to "administrative reasons". According to V-C's announcement, Vande Mataram was sung first, followed by the national anthem and then Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu.The higher education minister's office later posted on social media: "As a mark of protest against the V-C's announcement that Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu will be sung in third place, the minister boycotted the convocation ceremony...Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu must always be given its proper place and respect." htc...