Scholarship dispute involves Tamil Nadu PhD student in Malaysia

Bharathidasan Raman, a Dalit PhD scholar at the National University of Malaysia, has alleged that delays in receiving funds under the Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship are jeopardizing his academic career. In emotional video appeals, Raman stated that the lack of financial support has stalled his research for six months and could lead to his expulsion from the university. He invoked the memory of Rohith Vemula, expressing fear of facing similar institutional pressures.

The Tamil Nadu Social Justice Department has disputed these claims, stating that the government has already released approximately ₹48.22 lakh to the student, exceeding the standard ₹36 lakh limit for the scheme. Officials maintain that the delay in further funds is due to the student’s failure to submit necessary expenditure proofs and documentation for the first year, as well as lacking required recommendations for second-year funding.

The dispute has escalated into a political issue, with DMK President MK Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin intervening to demand the immediate release of funds, arguing that the student is seeking the fulfillment of a guaranteed right.