Periyar varsity suspends Tamil professor for casteism

A senior professor from the Tamil department of Periyar University has been suspended after several complaints by PhD scholars that he was indulging in caste-based humiliation, interference in research work and unprofessional conduct.

As per the suspension order dated August 29, 2025, the move was sanctioned by the three-member Vice-Chancellor's Committee governing the university. The members of the committee include Commissioner of Collegiate Education E Sundaravalli, Head of Journalism and Mass Communication R Subramani, and Shri Sakthikailassh Women's College Principal S Jayanthi who are acting as syndicate members.

Research students accused the professor of discriminating against some scholars based on caste, humiliating students publicly, and intentionally delaying or refusing to give approvals for work on time. He was also accused of forcing students to perform non-academic work, hindering their research work. Some scholars alleged that the constant pressure and lack of guidance prompted them to drop out of studies.

The professor also faced allegations of using abusive language against other teachers, intimidating non-academic employees, and favouritism in administrative work.

According to the order, the professor is not allowed to enter the university campus without prior permission and cannot depart from Salem without the approval of officials. A departmental enquiry is being conducted, and further action will depend upon it.

hOWEVER, the Periyar University Teachers Association (PUTA) thanked the Tamil Nadu administration for welcoming the suspension and university authorities for redressing long-pending grievances. The suspended professor, T Periasamy, could not be reached for comments. This talks highly about the education system.