CHENNAI: Bharathidasan Raman, a research scholar at the National University of Malaysia, on Thursday called on DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin at his residence here to thank him for supporting his higher studies under the Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship.Raman was among the students selected for the scholarship programme launched by the previous DMK govt.During a 20-minute interaction, he briefed Stalin on his research topic and progress. Stalin gifted him two books, including one related to his research.“Research scholar Bharathidasan called on me today and expressed his joy and gratitude to the Dravidian Model govt and the DMK for the assistance they provided to him,” Stalin posted in his X handle and also shared the visuals of their meeting.Stalin said the present govt should continue to provide the necessary assistance to the students like Bharathidasan.Later, Raman met leader of opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and thanked him for extending support to him.The scholarship had triggered a political controversy after the social justice department delayed releasing funds for Raman’s second academic year. The issue was raised during the recently concluded assembly session. The govt had withheld Rs 36 lakh in financial assistance, reportedly citing the non-submission of certain documents and receipts, but it released the funds later.
