Bapatla: 94-year-old Andhra woman gives up US citizenship to regain Indian citizenship, fulfilling her final wish to spend the rest of her life in her native village. Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma has completed the required oath of allegiance, and officials have forwarded her application to the Ministry of Home Affairs for approval.
94-Year-Old Andhra Woman Gives Up US Citizenship
Mahalakshmamma, a native of Chinthagumpala village in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district, became a US citizen in July 2000 after moving to the United States to live with her son, Dr. K. Buchaiah Choudhary.
After living in the US for nearly two decades, she returned to India in 2018 and settled permanently in her native village.
Final Wish Is to Die as an Indian
The 94-year-old Andhra woman gives up US citizenship because she wants to spend her remaining years in India.
Officials said she voluntarily surrendered her US citizenship and applied online to restore her Indian citizenship. During the official process, she took the oath of allegiance in Telugu and pledged her loyalty to the Constitution of India.
She told officials that she wishes to live and die in India and have her last rites performed in her homeland.
Collector Oversees Citizenship Process
Bapatla District Collector V. Vinod Kumar supervised the legal formalities.
Officials helped Mahalakshmamma complete the paperwork, while her son assisted her in reading the oath. The Collector described the ceremony as an emotional moment for everyone present.
Ministry of Home Affairs to Take Final Decision
Mahalakshmamma currently holds Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. Her application has now been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for a final decision.
Officials said the process will continue according to Indian citizenship laws before the Centre issues its decision.
The story of the 94-year-old Andhra woman gives up US citizenship has touched many people across the country. Her decision reflects her deep emotional connection to India and her desire to spend her final days in her homeland.