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.
