Dr. S.V Adinarayana Rao Receives Padma Shri from President Kovind

Author:

AMCOSA’s Editor

Published:

Mar 21, 2022

The Andhra Medical College alumni community takes immense pride in celebrating the remarkable achievement of Dr. Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao, who was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by former President Ram Nath Kovind in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of medicine and his lifelong service to humanity. The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award and honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence in their respective fields.

Born on June 30, 1939, in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Rao dedicated more than six decades of his life to advancing orthopaedic care and transforming the lives of thousands of patients. A distinguished alumnus of Andhra Medical College, he earned his MBBS degree in 1966 and completed his Master’s degree in Orthopaedic Surgery in 1970 before pursuing advanced training in microvascular and hand surgery in Germany.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Rao served as a teacher, surgeon, administrator, and humanitarian. He worked at Andhra Medical College and King George Hospital, later becoming Superintendent of Rani Chandramani Devi Hospital. Following his retirement from government service, he co-founded Prema Hospital in Visakhapatnam and served as Director-General of the Prema Group of Hospitals and Institutions.

What distinguished Dr. Rao most was his unwavering commitment to serving the underprivileged, particularly children and adults affected by polio. Through the Free Polio Surgical and Research Foundation, he organized nearly 1,000 orthopaedic camps across India and provided treatment to patients from various states and even abroad. Over the course of his career, he performed more than three lakh surgeries and helped countless individuals regain mobility, dignity, and hope. His selfless service earned him admiration across the country and made him a symbol of compassionate healthcare.

The Padma Shri recognition in 2022 was a fitting tribute to a physician whose life exemplified professional excellence and humanitarian values. The Government of India honored him specifically for his distinguished service to poor polio patients and his extraordinary contribution to orthopaedic medicine.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Rao was deeply involved in community development and sports promotion. A passionate football enthusiast, he served for more than three decades as President of the Visakhapatnam District Football Association and played a significant role in promoting football in the region.

Dr. Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao’s journey from an Andhra Medical College student to a nationally honored physician stands as an inspiration to generations of medical professionals. His legacy continues to remind us that the true measure of a doctor lies not only in clinical excellence but also in compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

AMCOSA proudly congratulates Dr. Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao on this extraordinary honor and celebrates his enduring contribution to medicine, society, and the noble tradition of Andhra Medical College.