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Cambridge establishes M. Karunanidhi scholarships for Dravidian research
The first M. Karunanidhi scholar is expected to be welcomed next year.
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Bhavana P - Mon, 23, Jun 2025
- 12:44 EDT
- 11
Sabarisan Vedamurthy, a technology entrepreneur, and his wife Senthamarai Stalin / Cambridge University
The University of Cambridge has announced new research scholarships focused on Dravidian studies, named after late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
The scholarships, endowed by technology entrepreneur Sabarisan Vedamurthy and his wife Senthamarai Stalin—daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, will support doctoral and postdoctoral research on the social and economic transformation of the South Indian state.
Also read: Emory Business School establishes Jagdish N. Sheth endowed professorship
The endowment will fund a PhD studentship and ongoing postdoctoral work under the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences, with the first M. Karunanidhi scholar expected to be welcomed next year.
“At a time when conversations around inclusion are shaping global agendas, we believe Tamil Nadu offers a powerful example. This donation seeks to ensure that its journey is explored, understood, and shared with the world—enriching the movement itself in the process,” the donors said in a joint statement.
Professor Tim Harper, head of the school of the Humanities and Social Sciences said, “We are delighted that Mr Vedamurthy and Mrs Stalin have chosen to support the future of these important areas of study, and we look forward to welcoming the first M. Karunanidhi scholar next year.”
Known for its emphasis on equality of opportunity, the Dravidian model expanded access to education, reduced marginalization, and advanced economic empowerment. Yet, its contributions remain underexplored globally, the University said.
The initiative will prioritize students from socially and financially disadvantaged backgrounds, encouraging research on Tamil Nadu’s unique model of inclusive development.
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