Mapping the Scholarly Landscape: Irudaya Rajan Sebastian on Migration and Demography using Bibliometric Analysis

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the scholarly contributions of Irudaya Rajan Sebastian, a leading expert in migration and demography, particularly in the Indian context. Currently serving as chair of the World Bank’s Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD), Rajan has made significant academic and policylevel impacts through his work on labor migration, remittances, and social integration. His research offers critical insights into the causes, patterns, and consequences of migration, influencing both scholarly discourse and governmental decision-making. One of his most notable contributions is the Kerala Migration Survey (KMS), which he has led since 1998. The KMS provides comprehensive data on Malayali migrants in the Gulf, shedding light on the socioeconomic effects of migration and the pivotal role of remittances in Kerala’s economy. Rajan's advisory role to the Kerala government during the COVID-19 pandemic further underscores his applied expertise in migration policy. This study employs bibliometric tools, specifically the Biblioshiny interface of the Bibliometrix R-package and VOSviewer software, to examine the quantitative aspects of his academic output—highlighting citation patterns, research themes, and collaboration networks. In addition, a systematic review of selected works deepens the understanding of his thematic focus and policy relevance. By analysing both bibliometric data and content, the paper highlights the enduring significance of Rajan’s contributions in shaping migration research and influencing policy debates in India and South Asia.