M K Stalin’s son-in-law Sabarisan to take Dravidian studies to Cambridge

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin’s son-in-law Sabarisan Vedamurthy plans to institute a one-million-pound PhD scholarship on ‘Dravidian movement and social justice’ at Cambridge University. Under the aegis of the think tank PEN (Populous Empowerment Network), he will also offer a three-lakh-pound top-up every three years to meet exigencies.Sabarisan told TOI that it’s the right time to take Dravidianism globally. “While the social justice movement is more than a century old, we are also now celebrating Kalaignar’s centenary year,” he said. “The PhD scholarship, aimed at international students including those from India, is just one such initiative,” he said. A formal announcement is likely in a fortnight, after an agreement is signed with Cambridge.A faculty member in Cambridge confirmed that the modalities are being worked out. “It would be best if a comment is sought on this later this month as discussions are underway,” said Shruti Kapila, professor of history and politics, University of Cambridge, in an email response to TOI on Friday.The proposed PhD studies would come under Shruti Kapila’s department.Sabarisan has also donated 200 books curated to cover the history, politics and literature of Dravidian ideology through the writings of Periyar, Anna and Kalaignar, to set up a section in the library of the School of Oriental and African Studies, London.“This is to ensure students of politics and history have access to literature on Dravidian ideology. This will also take the Dravidian model of growth global,” Sabarisan said.Manuraj S, DMK spokesman and party’s NRI wing joint secretary, said PEN is also planning a lecture series at some other universities. “Not many in India and outside know about the Dravidian movement and its contribution to the welfare of the people and economic growth of Tamil Nadu. We want to take these ideas to centres of learning,” said Manuraj.