Date:09/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/09/stories/2008070953810400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Scholarship sought for Dalits to pursue journalism

Special Correspondent

— Photo: M. Vedhan

SHARING A POINT: Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazuthi with Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan at the centernary celebration of the magazine in Chennai on Tuesday. (From left) CPI leader R. Nallakannu and Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister A. Tamilarasi are in the picture.

CHENNAI: Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) MLA Ravikumar on Tuesday requested the State Government to encourage Dalit students to take up journalism as a profession by offering scholarship to study the course.

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the ‘Oru Paisa Tamilan’ (1907-1914), a weekly run by Pandit Ayodhidasar, Mr. Ravikumar said the scholarship should be made available to those who joined the Asian College of Journalism.

“No benefit”

“Though many colleges and universities offer journalism course, students do not benefit much as there was no practical training. The Asian College of Journalism fulfils this requirement,” he added.

Mr Ravikumar told The Hindu that Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister A. Tamilarasi, who attended the function, had accepted his request and promised to set up a scholarship.

“It is unfortunate that there is not a single Dalit in the list of accredited journalists. A scholarship like this will encourage Dalits students to take up the profession,” he said.

“Pioneer in social reforms”

Finance Minister K.Anbazhagan said Ayodhidasar was a pioneer in social reforms movement in Tamil Nadu.

Information Minister Parithi Illamvazhuthi, presiding over the function, said the government had already nationalised the works of Ayodhidasar.