SOAS South Asia Institute launches new Fellowship to support social justice
SOAS University of London has announced the launch of the Ambedkar–Kalaignar Visiting Fellowship for Social Justice and Federalism, through the SOAS South Asia Institute.
The new Fellowship stands as a tribute to the transformative visions of Dr BR Ambedkar, who was known as the is known as the architect of Constitution of India, and the renowned writer and politician M. Karunanidhi. It has been designed to support work dedicated to dignity, inclusion and social reform.
Supported by annual contributions from Mr Sabarisan Vedamurthy, a technology entrepreneur from Chennai, India, the timely fellowship announcement commemorates the life of Dr B.R Ambedkar and welcomes one Visiting Fellow each year to spend a full academic term at the SOAS South Asia Institute.
The Fellowship fully funds travel, visa fees, a three-month stipend and term fees, enabling Visiting Fellows to dedicate themselves entirely to research, writing and professional inquiry during their residency in London.
The fellowship reflects SOAS’s longstanding commitment to scholarship that speaks to questions of justice, governance and representation.
Open to researchers, journalists, lawyers, policymakers, civil society practitioners, activists, writers and others working on themes related to Dravidian studies, democracy, federalism, social justice and human rights, the Fellowship reflects the broad intellectual and public impact of Ambedkar and M. Karunanidhi. Visiting Fellows will be actively integrated into the academic life of SOAS and receive mentorship from the Subir Sinha, Director of the South Asia Institute.
Mr Sabarisan Vedamurthy, said: “The ideals of Ambedkar and Kalaignar continue to shape struggles for dignity and democratic deepening. By supporting this Fellowship, I hope to create space for voices that carry forward these commitments through research, reflection and public engagement.”
Dr Subir Sinha, Director of the SOAS South Asia Institute, added: “The Ambedkar–Kalaignar Visiting Fellowship reflects SOAS’s longstanding commitment to scholarship that speaks to questions of justice, governance and representation. We are delighted to inaugurate it on Ambedkar’s anniversary, a moment that reminds us why critical, socially engaged research matters.”
Visiting Fellows will receive mentorship from Dr Subir Sinha, participate in seminars and workshops, attend relevant modules and receive a certificate of academic engagement at the end of the term. It will seek to build a diverse network of scholars and practitioners working on equality, representation and democratic governance across South Asia and the global South, while deepening long-term partnerships between SOAS and research communities in Tamil Nadu.
Further details on the fellowship and how to apply will be made available from 15 December 2025.
