94-Year-Old Andhra Woman: In an era where millions of people move abroad in search of better opportunities, the story of 94-year-old Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma from Andhra Pradesh stands out for a different reason.
After living in the United States for nearly 18 years and becoming an American citizen, she has voluntarily renounced her US citizenship and is now seeking Indian citizenship once again.
According to multiple media reports, Mahalakshmamma’s final wish is to spend the rest of her life in India as an Indian citizen and have her last rites performed in her native village.
Her appeal has drawn widespread attention after a video of her requesting officials to expedite her citizenship application surfaced online.
Moved to the US After Her Husband’s Death
94-Year-Old Andhra Woman: Mahalakshmamma is a native of Chinthagumpala village in Chinaganjam mandal of Bapatla district, Andhra Pradesh.
Following the death of her husband, Nagabhushanam, she moved to Petersburg, Virginia, to live with her son, Dr. Buchaiah Choudhary, who was working there as an oncologist.
According to media reports, she became a US citizen in July 2000 and spent around 18 years in the country.
In 2018, she returned to India after her son joined NRI Hospital in Mangalagiri, and the family settled back in their native village.
Renounced US Citizenship, Applied to Become Indian Again
94-Year-Old Andhra Woman: Reports indicate that Mahalakshmamma has already renounced her US citizenship and subsequently applied for Indian citizenship through the Government of India’s prescribed online process.
Earlier this week, she appeared before Bapatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali, accompanied by her son, requesting that her citizenship application be processed at the earliest.
During the meeting, she explained that her advancing age made the matter especially important, as she wished to spend the remainder of her life in India as an Indian citizen.
According to media reports, she told the officials that her final wish was to live and eventually be laid to rest in her native village.
Pledged to Respect India’s Constitution and Laws
As part of her request, Mahalakshmamma also assured authorities that, if granted Indian citizenship again, she would fully respect the Constitution of India and abide by all the country’s laws.
Her statement has resonated with many people on social media, where her story has been widely shared. However, officials have not indicated that any special provisions will be made, and her application is being processed under the existing legal framework.
What Happens Next?
According to officials, Mahalakshmamma’s application will follow the standard procedure laid down under Indian citizenship laws.
The process involves a local inquiry and verification by district authorities. After this, a report will be submitted to the Andhra Pradesh Government, which will forward its recommendation to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Central Government will then take the final decision on her citizenship application.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation that Indian citizenship has been granted. Her application remains under process.
Why She Could Not Keep Both Citizenships
The case has also renewed public interest in India’s citizenship laws.
India does not permit dual citizenship. Under the Citizenship Act, 1955, an Indian citizen who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country generally loses Indian citizenship.
Anyone wishing to become an Indian citizen again must apply under the relevant provisions of the law and complete the prescribed legal process.
Mahalakshmamma’s application is being considered within this legal framework, and the outcome will depend on the verification process and the Central Government’s decision.
A Story of Emotional Connection to One’s Homeland
While Mahalakshmamma’s appeal has generated significant public interest because of its emotional aspect, it remains, above all, a legal matter governed by India’s citizenship laws.
Based on the information currently available from official statements and multiple media reports, she has given up her US citizenship, applied to regain Indian citizenship, and requested authorities to complete the process as soon as possible.
The district administration has assured that her application will be handled according to established procedures, with the final decision resting with the Central Government.
Her story serves as a reminder that for many people living abroad, the emotional bond with their homeland remains strong regardless of how many years they have spent overseas.
At the same time, any restoration of citizenship in India is subject to the country’s legal and administrative process rather than personal circumstances alone.
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