Who Is Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma? The 94-Yr-Old Who Gave Up US Citizenship To Reclaim Indian Identity

Last Updated:June 27, 2026, 21:34 IST

Mahalakshmamma from Bapatla renounces US citizenship, approaches Bapatla District Collector to regain Indian citizenship and spend her final days in her native village.

Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma (94), a native of Chinthagumpala village in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district, has drawn widespread attention after giving up her US citizenship and seeking to become an Indian citizen again so she can spend the rest of her life in her homeland.

Mahalakshmamma had moved to Petersburg, Virginia, after the death of her husband, Nagabhushanam, to live with her son, Buchaiah Choudhary, an oncologist. She became a US citizen in July 2000 and spent nearly 18 years in the United States before returning to India in 2018. Her son later joined NRI Hospital in Mangalagiri, and she decided to settle permanently in her native village.

94-Year-Old Gives Up US Citizenship

Accompanied by her son, Mahalakshmamma recently met Bapatla District Collector J Venkata Murali, urging officials to expedite her application for Indian citizenship. She told authorities that she had already renounced her American citizenship and submitted an online application seeking restoration of her Indian nationality.

“Collector garu, I am nearing 95 years of age. My only wish is to spend my final days in my motherland as an Indian citizen. I want my last rites to be performed in my native village. I have already given up my US citizenship. Please help me obtain Indian citizenship at the earliest," she appealed.

Appeal To Regain Indian Citizenship

Mahalakshmamma also assured officials that she would abide by the Constitution of India and all applicable laws if her citizenship is reinstated. The district collector informed her that her request would be processed as per established procedures, following which a report would be sent to the Andhra Pradesh government and then forwarded to the Centre for a final decision.

A video of her appeal has gone viral on social media, sparking varied reactions online.

Reacting to the post, one user commented, “They only reason she is fit to stand even at age of 95 is coz she lived in us in clean healthy air and had non adulterated food. (sic)"

“The flame of love for the nation is now erupting," another user wrote.

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish...Read More

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