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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.
India Today
23-06-2025
- Science
- India Today
Ancient cave paintings discovered in Tamil Nadu could be over 9,000 years old
A unique cluster of ancient cave paintings, believed to date back to the Neolithic era, has been discovered in the Yelagiri hills, sending ripples of excitement through the archaeological find was brought to light after local visitors alerted scholars from Sacred Heart College about unusual markings in a natural cave atop the hills at Reddiyur.A team led by Professor Prabhu, head of the Tamil Department and a noted historian and archaeologist, visited the site alongside District Forest officials. The team was astonished by the extent and preservation of the 'This natural cave is nearly 1,000 feet above sea level and contains paintings that closely resemble Neolithic drawings, suggesting they date between 10,000 and 3,000 BCE,' Professor Prabhu explained. 'The cave is large enough to shelter about fifty people, indicating it may have once housed a community of ancient hunter-gatherers.' The find was brought to light after local visitors alerted scholars from Sacred Heart College. The cave, spanning approximately 100 square meters, contains around 80 human and animal figures, all painted with a mysterious white substance that has endured the passage of scenes depicted are vivid—humans are shown sitting atop animals, dancing, sparring, and celebrating victories, offering a rare glimpse into the social and ritual life of early is the first time such a significant cluster of cave paintings has been discovered in the district,' Professor Prabhu noted, emphasising the importance of the site appears to have served not only as a dwelling but also as a place of worship, with its elevated position and the nature of the artwork suggesting spiritual Professor Prabhu expressed concern over signs of vandalism, as some paintings have been damaged by recent visitors. He urged authorities to take immediate action to protect the site and preserve this invaluable heritage for future discovery is expected to attract further archaeological interest and could shed new light on the prehistoric cultures of southern India, highlighting Yelagiri's significance as a center of ancient human activity.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Allocate six hours weekly for Tamil, Bharathiar University orders colleges
COIMBATORE: Bharathiar University has directed all its affiliated colleges to hold Tamil classes six hours weekly for second-year undergraduate students in the upcoming academic year. University Registrar Rupa Gunaseelan sent a letter regarding this to all affiliated arts and science colleges located in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Nilgiris districts. Professors from the Tamil Department welcomed this move. Earlier, teaching staff from the Tamil departments of private colleges had submitted a petition requesting that six hours weekly be ensured for Tamil classes. An assistant professor of the Tamil department in a private college in Coimbatore city told TNIE that state-run universities introduced Tamil classes for second-year students in the 2023-24 academic year. "Bharathiar University introduced Tamil in undergraduate courses of and Computer Science in the second year in its affiliated colleges. As per the higher education department's direction, six hours should be allocated for Tamil for second-year students. But the university allocated only four hours with the approval of the Board of Studies, and the remaining two hours were used for Naan Mudhalvan skill courses. Due to this, the teaching faculty were unable to complete the portions for second-year students," he recalled. "The university has now allocated six hours for second-year Tamil classes by giving necessary instructions to the colleges," he said, citing the request of teachers. Sources say colleges have been asked to conduct skill courses during evening hours as per each college's schedule.
