From a humble village in Narketpally to the power corridors of Hyderabad, Professor Sravan Dasoju’s journey is one of grit, reinvention, and unwavering conviction. Over the decades, he has donned many hats — grassroots activist, student leader, professor, corporate HR head, political spokesperson, and now Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). But what truly defines him isn’t just the diversity of roles he has played; it is his unshakeable Telangana identity and relentless pursuit of purpose, regardless of the cost.
Beginning as a swayamsevak in Yellareddyguda, Sravan rose through the ranks of student politics, ascended into corporate leadership, and ultimately emerged as one of the most vocal and consistent voices in Telangana’s political discourse. In this candid interview with The Pioneer’s Naveena Ghanate, Sravan traces his story — one of survival, conviction, and constant reinvention. From Chiranjeevi’s PRP to Rahul Gandhi’s Congress and finally to KCR’s BRS, he has traversed a wide ideological spectrum to finally arrive at the place he calls home.
Rooted in Discipline, Driven by Purpose
I was born in Yellareddyguda, near Narketpally, in a modest artisan family. My father, Krishnamachary, refused to take up traditional work and instead joined the cooperative department. He was a man of discipline but allowed me space to explore. My mother, Jogamma, managed our home and raised us — five of us, including my three younger sisters and a brother. Though my father was strict when it came to discipline, he allowed me space to chart my own path. I was an average student, never chasing ranks, but quietly absorbing the world around me. From a very young age, my association with society began through the RSS. I still remember the backyard prarthanas, daily shakha, and the Vivekananda evening shakha. I was barely six when I became a swayamsevak, and I remained active until my degree. Later, during intermediate, I became part of ABVP. I took up the role of prarthana pramukh. Singing came naturally to me — I used to sing viyukti geeth and led many student gatherings. I got involved in student protests, fights, and faced my first police case during the agitation against Bofors. My father, though compassionate and deeply influenced by Vivekananda, used to worry seeing my activist side turning aggressive. Yet, he always instilled in me the value of Madhava Seva — serving humanity.
Wanted to take up engineering, but……
I had dreams of becoming a doctor and joined BiPC. My father, however, influenced by the grandeur of engineering marvels like Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, pushed me towards MPC. I wanted to take up engineering but donations were unaffordable. I still remember the Rs. 5,000 demanded, which later went up to Rs. 7,000 — it angered my father deeply. So, I opted for BSc Maths at a government college. I kept myself active politically through ABVP and dreamt of contesting elections for college president. Meanwhile, to support myself, I joined the District Rural Development Agency on daily wages, handling establishment and dispatch. My father was deeply unhappy with this clerk-level job and once lashed out, asking whether I wanted to remain small forever. That hit me hard. One day, with Rs. 1,800 in hand and a suitcase, I left for Osmania University. I stayed in A Hostel, Room No. 63, and prepared for the PG entrance. I cracked it and topped, earning my MA seat. My student politics journey flourished from there. I became Sports Secretary and General Secretary. During one electrifying speech at the ABVP National Students’ Parliament in Delhi, leaders like JP Nadda and Narendra Tandon noticed me and invited me to work full-time. However, given family responsibilities — my father had to get three daughters married — I chose not to. Instead, I did my MBA. Professor E.G. Parameshwar, a brilliant psychologist, mentored me closely and pushed me to excel.
Career turnaround at ASCI
Though I had offers in hand, I joined ASCI in Khairatabad as a Project Associate. It was a modest beginning — my salary was just Rs. 1,500, but the job shaped me deeply. I was rustic when I came in, but ASCI transformed me. I evolved there. It was not only about handling projects; it was about growing intellectually and socially. I worked hard, took responsibilities seriously and started believing that I had to be more than just a social activist — I had to be a thought leader. During this time, I was also teaching MBA classes in the evening. My students were from the army, public sector, and senior professionals. I was the youngest among the faculty and often rehearsed in front of the mirror before classes. It taught me how to articulate better, how to present with confidence, and how to connect. Many nights I worked late — once, even the principal walked in at 2 am asking what I was still doing in office. I was constantly pushing my boundaries. ASCI gave me exposure to government training programs, IAS and IPS officers, and allowed me to work on critical projects. After ASCI, I moved to IPE (Institute of Public Enterprise) as faculty. I spent nearly a decade there — handling research, teaching, and consultancy. I trained mid and senior-level executives, coordinated global projects like the DFID-funded sexual health programs, and built strong networks. It shaped my work ethic. I became a workaholic. I believed teaching, consulting and shaping minds gave me true joy.
At the top, yet torn
But destiny pulled me into the corporate sector. I first joined CA (Computer Associates) as Director (HR), but during the global recession, the company shut down. I moved to Hitachi, starting as Manager and eventually becoming Director (HR). At Hitachi, work consumed me — yet, the social activist inside kept tugging at me. Later came the big corporate phase — Satyam. This was a huge leap professionally. At Satyam, I held a global role in HR. I was managing over 8,000 employees across geographies. The salary was excellent — I was earning about Rs. 3 lakh per month and the annual package was around Rs. 36 lakh. In corporate terms, I was at the peak. My designation, my profile, my exposure — everything was big. Yet, something inside me was hollow. Even during these corporate highs, the social activist in me remained alive. There was always this inner voice that asked — is this enough? Though I was working on global HR policies, systems and training programs, I often felt I was not using my life fully. Despite the comfort and money, there was restlessness. That itch never died. I spent about eight years in the corporate world — Hitachi, Satyam, Oracle — but the soul craved social engagement. I used to look at my bank account and wonder — is this what I wanted? Finally, when PRP happened and politics called, I decided to leave Satyam. When I resigned, Ramalinga Raju himself called and said — “You are leaving as a Satyamite and the doors will always be open for you.” I knew in my heart that corporate life could no longer hold me. I sold my stocks, withdrew my PF and gratuity, and left the world of glass buildings and fat salaries to jump into the uncertainties of politics. I was ready to struggle again — because unlike corporate perks, fighting for people gave me inner peace.
PRP and Pawan Kalyan: My Political Entry
My friend Sharat Marar, who was close to Pawan Kalyan, connected me when they were working on a film about student leaders. Pawan wanted to understand the psyche of student unions and I became part of the discussions. During this phase, I even produced films like Kubusum and wrote for TV serials. That association opened new doors. At around 41 years of age, I decided — politics was my next destination. Though married with two children and stable in life, I took the plunge. My wife, a professor, stood by me. Politics was calling and PRP became my entry point. Pawan Kalyan and the PRP leadership saw a fire in me. I formally joined PRP and was part of Yuva Rajyam. Politics excited me. We believed PRP would change the system. I became close to Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan. I unsuccessfully contested from Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency in the 2009 elections and stood third place with 91,414 votes. But soon, contradictions emerged. PRP’s ambiguous stand on Telangana pained me. I openly opposed the party’s anti-Telangana tilt. That became my fall. I was humiliated, denied entry into press meets. Despite loyalty, PRP pushed me aside. Chiranjeevi later regretted it and promised to take care of my future.
Joined TRS: Finding My Political and Emotional Home
After PRP, KTR made the first call. He and KCR welcomed me into TRS. It felt like returning home. I was part of the Telangana movement’s core intellectual team. I was active in movements like Million March, Sagara Haram and Chalo Assembly. I participated in many debates. In 2014, I was deeply involved in drafting the TRS election manifesto. In fact, when KCR was announcing the manifesto, only we both were sitting in the news studio. Though I wanted to contest elections in my village, I stayed back in Hyderabad and contributed to the ideological and intellectual discourse. I was TRS Politburo member and TRS party’s official spokesperson. I wanted to contest in elections from Bhongir or Musheerabad but failed to get a TRS party ticket. Despite that, I never felt alienated. My admiration for KCR and what TRS was doing for Telangana kept me emotionally invested. The trust that KCR placed in me — especially during the critical days of Telangana state formation — will always remain special.
Congress: National Role but Local Disappointments
Later, I joined Congress and became AICC National Spokesperson. I translated Rahul Gandhi’s speeches and participated in all campaigns. I met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi multiple times during this period. I submitted proposals to revive the party in Telangana. Priyanka Gandhi personally expressed regret that I did not get a ticket and assured me that I would be given an opportunity. Rahul Gandhi too recognised my work and engaged with me directly. I contested from Khairatabad Assembly Constituency in the 2018 Telangana Assembly Elections and lost. However, things changed in the Telangana Congress unit after Revanth Reddy took over. He systematically undermined me. Tickets were denied, supporters were poached and I was humiliated. Despite repeated representations to Sonia and Rahul, nothing changed. The local leadership ensured I remained sidelined. This was deeply painful, especially after all the intellectual and political investment I had made for the party. Frustrated, I joined BJP hoping for a reset. But it proved a mistake. BJP’s organisational culture was alien to me. There was no room for intellectual freedom. It became clear that I didn’t belong. I exited quickly.
Homecoming to BRS: Where I Truly Belong
KTR and Santosh Kumar reached out. KCR approved my return. Coming back to TRS felt natural. I had sacrificed much — security, career and power. But TRS gave me the peace and belonging I was searching for. Though I still have the desire to contest elections, I am content working for Telangana and contributing to public discourse. I realised that BRS is where I truly belong. Unlike other phases, BRS gave me respect, recognition and emotional connect. This is where my political journey feels complete. I was named as MLC under the Governor’s quota by the BRS government in August 2023 after the State Cabinet’s decision, but was rejected by the Governor. I went on to become MLC after BRS lost power under the MLA quota. For this, I will be immensely grateful to KCR. I was definitely emotional when this happened as it came after a series of failures and a lot of wait. That moment reaffirmed that despite power shifts, KCR and BRS always stood by me.
Through grief & growth— My family’s support
I am married to Dr. Shashikala, a professor who has always stood by me. She completed her PhD and has a successful academic career. Our son completed MBA from IIMT Ghaziabad and runs a startup now. Our daughter is pursuing MSc Psychology. During COVID, I lost my father and within days, my mother too. Those were painful
days. Yet, my family gave me strength to continue my political journey. I am not a strict father, though I wished my daughter had chosen law. I let them find their own paths. My creative side also found expression through films and television. I produced Kubusam and scripted serials like Prithvi for Doordarshan. Among films, Kubusam remains close to my heart though it was not commercially successful. My passion for culture and creativity continues.
Rapid Fire
Favourite colour: Navy blue (earlier), now white
Favourite movie: Kubusam
Favourite actor: Prabhas
Favourite actress: Anushka
Favourite song: Palle Kanneru Pettindo (I will be standing next to Srihari in this)
Favourite book: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
Favourite food: Brinjal
Happiest moment: Earning my doctorate
Saddest moment: Losing my father during COVID
Quote I live by: Manava Seva Madhava Seva and Ask nothing, want nothing — it will come back thousand fold
