Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi expressed concern over the academic environment in the state's public universities, noting their poor performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). He suggested the environment is 'vitiated' and that institutions like the University of Madras have declined. Ravi also alleged attempts to undermine constitutional institutions and cited a controversy over lighting a ceremonial lamp as an example of state obstruction. The Governor's remarks were made during a conclave at SRM Institute of Science and Technology.