Tribute to Dr. Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao

Passing of a Renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon

Vijayawada: Dr. Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao, an esteemed 85-year-old orthopaedic surgeon who brought hope to countless individuals affected by polio and physical disabilities, passed away on Saturday evening, January 17. He was celebrated not just for his remarkable surgical expertise but also for his warmth, humility, and empathy. Patients affectionately referred to him as “Vikalang Bandhu” and “Poliowalon ka Devata,” and many traveled from far-off states, including Rajasthan and Gujarat, as well as countries like the USA and Canada, to seek his compassionate care.

A Distinguished Medical Career

Over a distinguished career that spanned more than four decades, Dr. Adinarayana Rao completed nearly three lakh surgeries and over ten lakh operative procedures, primarily focusing on helping polio-affected and physically challenged individuals.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 30, 1939, in Bhimavaram, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Adinarayana Rao exhibited academic excellence and compassion from an early age. He completed his schooling at U.L.C.M. High School before pursuing medicine at Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam. He earned his MBBS in 1966 and obtained his M.S. in Orthopaedics in 1970.

Passion for Football

In addition to his medical career, Dr. Adinarayana Rao had a deep passion for football. A talented player during his college years, he later played a crucial role in promoting the sport in Visakhapatnam. He served as president of the Visakhapatnam District Football Association for over thirty years and was pivotal in elevating the Visakha Trophy national football championship, attracting leading football clubs from across the country until the early 1990s.

Academic and Administrative Contributions

Dr. Rao was also a dedicated academician and administrator, holding several prestigious positions. He served as Professor of Traumatology and Orthopaedics at Andhra Medical College, and as Superintendent of the R.C.D. Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled in Visakhapatnam. He later became the Director General of Prema Hospitals. As the founder and managing trustee of Prema Hospitals, he was committed to providing affordable and free surgical care, particularly through nationwide polio surgical camps.

Acknowledgments and Awards

In recognition of his tireless service, Dr. Adinarayana Rao received numerous prestigious honors, including the National Award for Best Service in the Field of Welfare of the Disabled in 1998 from the Government of India, the Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Award, and the Bhagawan Mahaveer International Award in 2002. His lifetime of dedication was honored with the Padma Shri in January 2022.

Survived By and Tributes

He is survived by his wife, R. Sasiprabha, a distinguished gynaecologist and former Director of Medical Education in Andhra Pradesh, along with a daughter, Dr. Sesh Kamal, and a son, Sasi Kiran, both residing in the United Kingdom.

According to reports from the Hindu and TOI, numerous individuals, including Gopala Krishna Kosaraju, president of the Waltair Football Association; Professor N. Vijay Kumar from the Department of Physical Education at Andhra University; Visakha West MLA PGVR Naidu (Ganababu); and Olympic Association general secretary K. Suryanarayana, have expressed their condolences and paid heartfelt tributes to the late doctor.