Osmania University Awards Doctorate to Journalist Vengaldas Venkataramana for Pathbreaking Research on Gulf Migration
Hyderabad, July 28, 2025 — In a remarkable recognition of academic excellence and social commitment, Osmania University has awarded a doctorate in Political Science to noted journalist and Telangana movement activist Vengaldas Venkataramana. His research, titled “The Political Economy of Gulf Migration: A Study of Karimnagar District”, offers a profound and nuanced exploration of one of the most significant socio-economic phenomena affecting Telangana — the migration of workers to Gulf countries.
The doctoral degree was conferred following the successful completion and defense of his thesis, under the mentorship of Professor Brahmanandam from the Department of Political Science, Osmania University. The university lauded Venkataramana’s work for its scholarly depth, field-based insights, and policy relevance.
Groundbreaking Study on Gulf Migration
Hailing from Raghavapatnam village in Jagtial district, Venkataramana’s research delves into the political and economic underpinnings of Gulf migration, with a particular focus on the erstwhile undivided Karimnagar district. The study draws from both qualitative and quantitative data, and offers a detailed analysis of how migration has reshaped the region’s economy, society, and political fabric.
His thesis outlines the dual nature of migration: on one hand, the remittances sent home by Gulf workers have significantly contributed to local development and family welfare; on the other hand, the study brings to light the deep vulnerabilities faced by migrants, including labor exploitation, legal insecurity, debt cycles, and emotional trauma endured by families left behind.
The study also proposes a roadmap for government intervention, advocating for:
- Strengthened legal frameworks to protect migrant workers’ rights,
- Welfare schemes tailored to the needs of returnees and their families,
- Skill development programs to reduce dependency on low-wage labor markets abroad,
- Bilateral agreements to ensure fair labor practices in host countries.
Voice of the Voiceless
Venkataramana’s academic journey is deeply rooted in his lived experience and journalistic commitment. As an early activist in the Telangana statehood movement and a seasoned journalist, he has long been a voice for marginalized communities, particularly those affected by economic migration, rural distress, and labor exploitation. His writings in various regional publications have consistently spotlighted the challenges faced by Telangana’s working class, especially those seeking livelihoods abroad.
Speaking at the conferment ceremony, Venkataramana expressed heartfelt gratitude to his guide, Professor Brahmanandam, and to the faculty and staff of Osmania University. “This recognition validates the importance of studying Gulf migration as a critical socio-political issue. It is not merely an academic achievement, but a responsibility to continue working for the people whose stories shaped my research,” he said. He also encouraged young researchers to take up topics that resonate with grassroots realities and contribute meaningfully to public discourse and policymaking.
Osmania University’s Commitment to Public-Oriented Research
Osmania University’s decision to confer the doctorate on Venkataramana reflects its broader mission of supporting research that bridges academic theory with social impact. The university’s Department of Political Science has been particularly proactive in nurturing research on contemporary policy issues such as migration, development, and governance.
University officials noted that Venkataramana’s study stands out for its multi-disciplinary approach, combining political economy, sociology, and development studies. It is expected to serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, scholars, non-governmental organizations, and labor rights advocates working to reform migration governance in Telangana and across India.
A Milestone for Telangana’s Academic and Social Discourse
Venkataramana’s doctorate is not just a personal achievement but a milestone in Telangana’s intellectual and activist landscape. It symbolizes the intersection of grassroots activism and academic rigor — a rare blend that holds the power to influence real-world change.
As Telangana continues to grapple with the complex legacy of migration, studies like Venkataramana’s are poised to guide both public understanding and institutional action. His contribution will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of scholars to pursue research that speaks to the heart of people’s lives and challenges.
