The pull of one's native soil often grows stronger in the evening of life. In a deeply poignant event emerging from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, 94-year-old Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma has relinquished her United States citizenship to return permanently to her birthplace. Hailing from Chintagumpala village in Bapatla district, the nonagenarian has appealed to the Central Government of India to restore her Indian citizenship so she can live out her remaining days surrounded by familiar surroundings in her ancestral village.
Leaving Overseas Comforts to Return to Her Roots
Mahalakshmamma's journey abroad began approximately 26 years ago following the demise of her husband. She moved to the United States to live with her son and eventually acquired American citizenship in the year 2000. However, the trajectory changed in 2018 when her son, Dr. Pichhaiah, an oncologist, decided to relocate to Guntur to practice medicine. Driven by a deep desire to be near her family and homeland, Mahalakshmamma returned to India alongside her son and settled back in her native village.
Tearful Moments at the District Collectorate
Approaching her 95th birthday, Mahalakshmamma formally initiated the legal process by submitting an online application for Indian citizenship on June 1. As part of the statutory requirements, she was called to the District Collectorate office for the oath-taking formality. During the proceeding, she broke down in tears while pleading her case before local authorities. Expressing her emotional plea, Mahalakshmamma stated, "My final wish is to take my last breath in my motherland and have my last rites performed in my village." She confirmed that she has already renounced her US citizenship and is anxiously waiting to become an Indian national once again.
Application Sent to Ministry of Home Affairs
Footage of the elderly woman tearfully expressing her last wish went viral online, evoking overwhelming sympathy from the public, with many urging the authorities to expedite her request on humanitarian grounds. Addressing the situation, the District Collector noted that all necessary documentation and application details have been processed and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. As matters concerning dual citizenship and naturalization rest strictly within the domain of the Union Government, the final authorization will be determined by the central ministry.
