The prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London has inaugurated a significant new academic initiative focused on South Asia. The university has announced the launch of the Ambedkar-Kalaignar visiting fellowship, dedicated to advancing research and discourse on social justice and federalism.
Funding and Thematic Focus
This fellowship programme receives crucial financial backing through an annual contribution from Sabarisan Vedamurthy, who is the son-in-law of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. The support underscores a commitment to fostering academic exploration in key areas.
The fellowship is designed for a wide range of professionals and thinkers. It is open to applications from researchers, journalists, lawyers, policymakers, civil society practitioners, activists, and writers. Their work must align with core themes, which include Dravidian studies, democracy, federalism, social justice, and human rights.
Fellowship Structure and Global Network
Selected visiting fellows will benefit from a structured programme aimed at enriching their work and expanding their horizons. Participants will receive expert mentorship and have the opportunity to take part in specialised seminars and workshops. They will also attend relevant academic modules during their term.
Upon successful completion of their academic engagements, fellows will be awarded a certificate from the esteemed SOAS South Asia Institute, which is administering the programme.
A primary objective of this initiative is to cultivate a diverse and robust network. It seeks to connect scholars and practitioners who are dedicated to issues of equality, representation, and democratic governance. The focus will span across South Asia and the global south.
Deepening Academic Partnerships
Beyond individual fellows, the programme has a broader institutional goal. It aims to deepen long-term partnerships between SOAS, a world-renowned centre for Asian and African studies, and research communities within Tamil Nadu. This bridge between a leading global university and regional academic ecosystems promises to stimulate valuable intellectual exchange.
The Ambedkar-Kalaignar fellowship stands as a notable effort to place critical issues of social justice and federalism at the forefront of international academic discourse, while strengthening ties between Indian thought leadership and global institutions.
