City-based technology entrepreneur Sabarisan Vedamurthy has already donated 200 books on the Dravidian Movement to the library of the School of Oriental and African Studies.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, has announced the launch of the Ambedkar-Kalaignar Visiting Fellowship for Social Justice and Federalism, a first-of-its-kind opportunity enabling students from Tamil Nadu to undertake a three-month fellowship in London.
Open to researchers, journalists, lawyers, policymakers, civil society practitioners, activists, and writers working on themes related to Dravidian studies, democracy, federalism, social justice and human rights, the Fellowship reflects the wide-ranging intellectual and public impact of B.R. Ambedkar and M. Karunanidhi.
“The newly introduced Fellowship stands as a tribute to the transformative visions of Ambedkar and Karunanidhi, supporting work dedicated to dignity, inclusion and social justice,” said Chennai-based technology entrepreneur Sabarisan Vedamurthy, who has helped SOAS establish the Fellowship through a recurring annual contribution.
Mr. Sabarisan had previously created a fellowship in the name of Karunanidhi at the University of Cambridge — jointly with his wife, Senthamarai, daughter of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin — for a research scholar.
He noted that applicants from Tamil Nadu, particularly those from the marginalised communities would be given preference, reinforcing the Fellowship’s commitment to widen access and support under-represented voices.
“The Fellowship will fully fund travel, visa fee, a three-month stipend and term fees, enabling visiting fellows to devote themselves entirely to research, writing and professional inquiry, during their residency in London,” Mr. Sabarisan said.
He has already donated 200 books on the Dravidian Movement to the library of the SOAS.
Visiting Fellows will be actively integrated into the academic life of SOAS. They will receive mentorship from the Director of the South Asia Institute, participate in seminars and workshops, attend relevant modules and receive a certificate of academic engagement at the end of the term.
Published – December 05, 2025 04:51 am IST
