Thu Dec 04 23:21:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, has launched the Ambedkar-Kalaignar Visiting Fellowship for Social Justice and Federalism. This fellowship offers students from Tamil Nadu a three-month opportunity to conduct research in London on topics like Dravidian studies, democracy, federalism, social justice, and human rights. The fellowship, funded by Chennai-based technology entrepreneur Sabarisan Vedamurthy, covers travel, visa fees, stipend, and term fees. Preference will be given to applicants from marginalized communities in Tamil Nadu. Vedamurthy has also donated books on the Dravidian Movement to the SOAS library.

News Article:

SOAS Launches Ambedkar-Kalaignar Fellowship for Tamil Nadu Students

London, UK – December 5, 2025 – The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, has announced the creation of the Ambedkar-Kalaignar Visiting Fellowship for Social Justice and Federalism, a unique opportunity for students and scholars from Tamil Nadu, India. The three-month fellowship will allow participants to conduct research in London on topics related to Dravidian studies, democracy, federalism, social justice, and human rights.

The fellowship is supported by a recurring annual contribution from Chennai-based technology entrepreneur Sabarisan Vedamurthy, who previously established a fellowship in the name of Karunanidhi at the University of Cambridge. Vedamurthy emphasized the fellowship’s dedication to widening access and supporting under-represented voices, with preference given to applicants from marginalized communities within Tamil Nadu.

The fellowship will cover all expenses including travel, visa fees, a three-month stipend, and term fees, enabling fellows to fully immerse themselves in their research. In addition to funding, Visiting Fellows will be integrated into the academic life of SOAS, receiving mentorship, participating in seminars and workshops, and earning a certificate of academic engagement.

Vedamurthy has also donated 200 books on the Dravidian Movement to the SOAS library, further bolstering the university’s resources for scholars in this field. The Ambedkar-Kalaignar Visiting Fellowship represents a significant step in fostering research and dialogue on crucial issues of social justice and federalism, while honoring the legacies of B.R. Ambedkar and M. Karunanidhi.

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