Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – S. Savithramma, a 94-year-old woman originally from Andhra Pradesh, has initiated the formal process to reacquire her Indian citizenship after spending over five decades in the United States. Ms. Savithramma met with Visakhapatnam Collector A. Mallikarjuna on Friday, May 24, 2024, submitting her application to officially become an Indian national once again, having already renounced her American citizenship.

The move underscores a deep personal connection to her roots, with Ms. Savithramma explicitly stating her wish to "die as an Indian." Her decision highlights the complex and often emotionally charged journey of individuals who have lived abroad for extended periods but maintain a profound attachment to their country of origin. Indian law generally does not permit dual citizenship, necessitating the renunciation of foreign nationality before reacquiring Indian citizenship.

Ms. Savithramma, who hailed from the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, moved to the United States more than 50 years ago. Her late husband also resided in the U.S. for a significant duration. After renouncing her U.S. citizenship, she returned to India to pursue her goal of formally readopting her original nationality. The meeting with Collector Mallikarjuna signifies a critical step in this bureaucratic procedure, where local administration plays a role in verifying and forwarding such applications.

Key details of Ms. Savithramma's journey and application include:

  • Applicant's Name: S. Savithramma
  • Age: 94 years
  • Former Nationality: United States citizen (renounced)
  • Seeking: Reacquisition of Indian citizenship
  • Location of Application: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
  • Official Met: Collector A. Mallikarjuna
  • Duration Abroad: Over 50 years in the United States

The process for reacquiring Indian citizenship for former citizens involves several stages, including verification by various government departments, culminating in approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Upon successful completion of these formalities, Ms. Savithramma will be issued a certificate of citizenship, officially restoring her status as an Indian national.

This case exemplifies instances where individuals, despite long tenures in foreign countries, choose to return to their homeland in their later years, driven by cultural ties, familial connections, and a sense of belonging. Ms. Savithramma currently awaits the finalization of her application, which will formally conclude her journey back to Indian citizenship.