The prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London has announced a significant new academic initiative focused on South Asia. The institution has launched the Ambedkar-Kalaignar Visiting Fellowship for Social Justice and Federalism. This program will be administered through the renowned SOAS South Asia Institute.
Funding and Vision Behind the Fellowship
The fellowship has been made possible through a key financial contribution. It is supported by an annual grant from Sabarisan Vedamurthy, who is the son-in-law of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. This backing underscores the fellowship's deep connection to the ideals and political history of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu.
The primary vision of the fellowship is to foster advanced research and dialogue on critical themes that shape modern democracies, particularly in the Global South. It aims to create a lasting impact on academic and public discourse surrounding equality and governance.
Who Can Apply and Fellowship Benefits
This opportunity is designed for a wide range of professionals, not just traditional academics. The fellowship is open to researchers, journalists, lawyers, policymakers, civil society practitioners, activists, and writers. Applicants should be engaged in work related to the fellowship's core themes.
The key thematic areas include Dravidian studies, democracy, federalism, social justice, and human rights. This broad scope ensures interdisciplinary perspectives and rich discussions.
Selected visiting fellows will receive several significant benefits during their term:
- Personalized mentorship from experts at SOAS.
- Active participation in seminars and specialized workshops.
- Attendance in academic modules designed for the program.
- A formal certificate upon completion of their academic engagements.
Building a Global Network for Change
The Ambedkar-Kalaignar Fellowship has ambitious goals beyond individual research. The program seeks to build a diverse and powerful network of scholars and practitioners. This network will focus on pressing issues of equality, representation, and democratic governance across South Asia and the wider Global South.
A key objective is to deepen long-term partnerships between SOAS and research communities in Tamil Nadu. This initiative promises to strengthen academic ties and promote the exchange of groundbreaking ideas on social justice between India and a world-leading London university. It stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of the ideals championed by B.R. Ambedkar and the Dravidian movement's leadership.
