Latest news with #Periasamy
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress, VCK demand action against Periyar University professor accused of caste discrimination
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) on Friday (July 11, 2025) demanded action against T. Periasamy, a Tamil department professor at Periyar University, who has been accused of caste discrimination. More than 10 Ph.D. scholars at Periyar University recently lodged complaints against Prof. Periasamy, claiming he subjected them to caste discrimination and verbal abuse, and made them work at his house and on his land. Quoting a report published in The Hindu, the TNCC, VCK, and DVK demanded action against the Tamil professor. In a social media post on X, TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai said 'without delay, the professor who allegedly subjected the Ph.D. scholars to caste discrimination should be placed under suspension.' He further demanded that the Tamil Nadu government form a high-level inquiry committee and conduct a proper investigation into the allegations. In a statement on social media, VCK deputy general secretary Vanni Arasu also demanded the professor's suspension, and alleged that he was affiliated with the teachers' wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Prof. Periasamy acted against the principles of social justice, along with former Vice Chancellor R. Jagannathan, Mr. Vanni Arasu alleged, adding that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin must take action against the professor. DVK president Kolathur Mani, demanding action against the professor, said that the scholars had lodged the complaint 20 days ago, but the university's administrative committee has still not acted on it. 'The government should not tolerate caste discrimination and must act firmly to prevent it. Steps should be taken to help the affected scholars complete their Ph.D. Stern action must be taken against the professor's accomplices who created trouble for the scholars. Protection should also be provided to the complainants,' the DVK president added.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- The Hindu
Ph.D. scholars of Periyar University accuse Tamil department professor of caste discrimination
More than 10 Ph.D. scholars at Periyar University have lodged complaints against a professor in the Tamil Department, claiming he subjected them to caste-based discrimination and verbal abuse, and made them work at his house and on his land. The professor has denied the allegations. Prof. T. Periasamy, who served as head of the Tamil department for the past 12 years, was moved from the post last month. He is also facing an inquiry by a committee formed by the State government in 2023 on charges of submitting a fake experience certificate to obtain employment. The scholars' complaints against Prof. Periasamy were submitted to the Vice-Chancellor Committee, the administrative body that oversees the university's operations. What are the allegations? The scholars alleged Prof. Periasamy discriminated against them by not allowing them to complete their Ph.D. for several years. One of the complainants, a Ph.D. scholar, belonging to the Scheduled Caste, told The Hindu that at Periyar University, the head of the department (HOD) serves as an ex-officio member of the doctoral committee. 'So even if we have different guides, the HOD decides our fate,' he said. He accused Prof. Periasamy of giving him 'a lot of trouble' and failing to recommend him for the prestigious University Research Fellowship (URF), while recommending other scholars, who he claimed belonged to the professor's caste. 'If we take a paper to him to sign, he would refuse and verbally abuse us,' he claimed. 'Made us do personal chores' Another scholar from the Most Backward Community (MBC) claimed Prof. Periasamy 'made us go to the grocery shop and the bank, and forced us to pick up and drop off his children at their educational institutions. He also made us pour water over his house during its construction.' He further claimed: 'From 2013 to 2022, due to discrimination and verbal abuse, 19 Ph.D. scholars discontinued their research. If a guide does not have a good relationship with Prof. Periasamy, he will not send their students' theses for evaluation, thereby making us run from pillar to post.' The scholar said Prof. Periasamy was removed from the HOD post 'after many of us started to lodge complaints.' 'Different rules for scholars of his caste' Another scholar, in her complaint, alleged Prof. Periasamy applied different rules for scholars of other castes and those from his own, and that he gave scholars from his caste opportunities to work at Periyar University as guest lecturers. 'Earlier, when we lodged a complaint with the former Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, the complaint was redirected to him. He then threatened us with dire consequences. Two weeks ago, we lodged a complaint with the administrative committee, but it has yet to take any action,' she alleged. She urged the State government to look into the matter and take action against Prof. Periasamy. Sources said besides the Ph.D. scholars, over six teaching and non-teaching staff of the university have lodged complaints against Prof. Periasamy for verbal abuse. Prof. denies allegations Denying all the allegations, Prof. Periasamy told The Hindu the Tamil department is the top department in the university, with the highest number of students clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET). 'I have never shown any caste discrimination and have strictly followed the rules. These are fabricated complaints,' he added.
Tourism Breaking News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Malaysia expects one million tourists from Middle East by end of the year
Post Views: 64 In an exclusive interview with TravTalk ME, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy – Director General of Tourism Malaysia shared that they expect to close the year with one million visitors from the Middle East region. 'Last year, Malaysia welcomed 194,000 visitors from the Middle East. Given our strategic initiatives, increased connectivity, and renewed market engagement, we are setting our sights much higher. Based on current airline capacity planning and market interest, we confidently project welcoming more than one million visitors from the Middle East by the end of 2025.' Speaking on some of the key initiatives that they are currently working on, Periasamy reiterated, 'We recognise the growing need to introduce more B2C-focused programs tailored for the Middle Eastern market. We've observed that younger travellers from this region are increasingly exploring destinations other than Malaysia—possibly due to a perception that Malaysia lacks activities or products that cater specifically to their interests and lifestyles. In response, we have initiated collaborations with trusted local partners in the Middle East to develop 'soft adventure' and lifestyle experiences that appeal to the younger demographic. While families from the region continue to choose Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination, we aim to re-engage younger travellers who are currently exploring alternatives in neighbouring countries. Our industry discussions and trade events with Middle Eastern operators have highlighted a key challenge: accessibility. While Malaysia receives a considerable number of Middle Eastern visitors—many of whom travel for religious purposes—the seat capacity between major cities in Saudi Arabia and Kuala Lumpur remains limited. To address this, we are actively working with key airlines including Riyadh Air and flynas. We are optimistic about launching direct routes from Saudi Arabia to Malaysia—potentially as early as the end of this year—which will greatly enhance travel accessibility and support our broader tourism goals. Furthermore, we are forming strategic partnerships with travel specialists such as Al Musafir in Saudi Arabia and others who focus on niche tourism products. Destinations like Sabah, Sarawak, and Kuala Lumpur continue to hold strong appeal for younger visitors, particularly those interested in entertainment, urban culture, and experiential travel. Malaysia also offers extensive halal dining options, with halal-certified restaurants and food experiences readily available. This is a significant advantage for Middle Eastern travellers seeking destinations that align with their dietary and cultural needs. We acknowledge that Malaysia may have previously underrepresented products suited to the younger generation due to a perception of conservatism. However, through ongoing dialogue with Middle Eastern operators, we are working to spotlight offerings that resonate with Gen Z and young adults—especially in vibrant markets like Saudi Arabia, where the majority of outbound travellers are under 35. On connectivity, we are also engaging with markets beyond the UAE and Saudi Arabia—such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. While UAE and Doha offer strong air connectivity, markets like Kuwait and Bahrain still face limited direct access. However, these gaps are partially bridged by services from regional carriers like Air Arabia.'
