Intro
When life throws a curveball, some do not take it lying down. They have it in them to change the lives of millions from their resolve to make the most of that misfortune. Renowned scientist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Sankurathri Chandrasekhar, who lost his wife and two kids in a terror attack in 1985, changed the course of his life thereafter by establishing a foundation, educational institute and a comprehensive eye care facility that mostly provide free services.
His eye institute has restored vision to more than 3 lakh patients through cataract surgeries, 90% of them conducted free. He has provided eyecare services to over 37 lakh people. His educational institute has benefited over 5,000 children from the economically weaker sections and, more importantly, at a zero-dropout rate.
In a touching conversation with The Pioneer’s C Pradeep Kumar, Dr Sankurathri Chandrasekhar sheds light on his eventful journey from Kakinada to Canada and back to Kakinada, ennobling experiences and influences, and more.
Childhood
I was born in 1943, eleventh child of station master Appala Narasayya Naidu and Ramayamma, a homemaker. Despite running an average income household, father ensured that we all — six boys and five girls — had proper education and upbringing. He was held in high esteem by the townsfolk. Amma was a simple, kind, and religious woman.
I was quite close to her and tagged along wherever she went. We were a familiar sight at nearby temples, which she visited regularly, as well as at the riverbank during the month of Karthika. One day, when I was at home with Amma, a neighbour came over for a chat.
As she stood talking to the neighbour, Amma suddenly collapsed. She breathed her last right there. A flurry of activities followed her fall, but I was oblivious to them. At six years of age, all I could understand later was that Amma was ‘no more’. In the days that followed, the memory of her face, her actions, and her voice slowly faded away from my mind. All that remained strongly etched in my mind was the image of her dead body being prepared for the last journey of her life.
Subsequently, Nanna started paying more attention to me. I was in primary school then. After school, he used to make me sit next to him and narrate stories. He used to make me recite all the verses from Krishnashtakam, much to the amazement of family members and acquaintances. By the time I was eight, I started realising that, without Amma, our family had become rudderless. My father, retired by then, was somehow managing the family affairs.Three of my brothers had completed their education-the eldest, Tulasi Rao, was a lawyer; the second, Venkata Appa Rao, was a lecturer;and the third, Venkat Rao, had a degree in Chemistry.
When I was in Grade 7 or 8, my father moved in with my brother Narayana Rao. I, along with four of my siblings, started living with my eldest sister and her husband. We learned to take each day as it came. Life had thrown us into a turbulent sea, and we held on desperately to each other to stay afloat.
Trying early years
I used to be very quiet and never got into any trouble. When I look back, I do not know how I could survive and reached this stage today. My childhood background made me very soft.
No ambition as a child
For us kids, life went on as usual. But behind all the games, laughter, and camaraderie was the grim reality of the task of survival. And it was indeed a task! From a child’s perspective, I could see that making both ends meet was far from easy for the grown-ups. I could not fully comprehend the struggles of the adult world, but I knew what hunger, suffering and poverty were. As a child, I had no wishes or ambitions, except to get along with life. It was only when I entered college that I wanted to be a doctor.
Education and work experience
I completed my high school and Intermediate education from Rajahmundry. I did B Sc and M Sc from Andhra University. Later, I did MS in Biology from Memorial University and PhD in Zoology from University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
While in India, I worked as Demonstrator in Government Arts College, Rajahmundry and later as Research Assistant at CIFT in Kakinada. After relocating to Canada, I worked as Visiting Scientist (NRC), Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, as Biologist, Environment Canada, Ottawa, Canada and as Scientific Evaluator, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ottawa, Canada.
Family bonds
As the youngest of all siblings, I am very close to three of my sisters and one brother. We faced difficulties, supporting one another and never deviated from our studies. One of my elder sisters used to look after me, tutor me, and showered affection on me. These experiences deepened my understanding of lives of people who lose their near and dear ones. Having suffered losses at an early age, I could empathize with others in difficult situations, including strangers. Had it not been for my brother Venkat Rao and his wife Kausalya, I would have been totally lost. She filled my life with motherly love. It is only because of her love and attention that I am what I am today.
After marriage, Venkat Rao started living in Rajahmundry and the four of us (two brothers and two sisters) who had been living at our sister’s place, moved in with them. My sister-in-law, a God-fearing person, immediately took us all under her loving care. With her, we found a home and a mother. She and my brother got us educated and supported us, till we were independent.
Scientist by choice
During my college days, I wanted to be a doctor. When I finished my Intermediate, I was only 15 years and not eligible to enter medical college. So, I decided to join degree course. By the time I completed my degree in Zoology I had lost my interest in becoming a doctor.
During my post-graduation days, I decided to be a scientist and a Professor in the University. I could become a scientist, but not a professor. For, after I had joined a college as lecturer, my interest in teaching faded away because of lack of interest and enthusiasm among students to learn things. At that stage, I decided to become a scientist.
Tragedy in life
At a young age of 42, I lost my wife Manjari, six-year-old son Srikiran and three-year-old daughter Sarada in the bombing of Kanishka flight 182 of Air India by terrorists on June 23, 1985, off the coast of Ireland. Following the incident, I resigned my job in Canada and returned to India in 1988 to dedicate the rest of my life to serve the poor in rural areas near Kakinada.I then established Manjari Sankurathri Memorial Foundation in memory of my wife. It is a registered charity in Canada.
I established Sankurathri Foundation in India to implement projects that would improve the quality of life of needy people in rural and remote areas of (combined) Andhra Pradesh and managed several international projects dealing with children’s education and eye care in the region. I established Sarada Vidyalayam in memory of my daughter. It is a high school that provides free education for rural poor children.
I established Srikiran Institute of Ophthalmology in memory of my son. It is a comprehensive eyecare facility with world-class standards to provide eyecare which is accessible, affordable, and equitable.This mission is supplemented with some core values like empathy, transparency, dignity of labour, women empowerment as well as elimination of child labour and child marriages.
Padma Shri
I thank the Government for bestowing Padma Shri award on me. I dedicate the award to those who had helped me rendering social service. I will continue to work for the welfare of people. The award has made me more responsible and accountable to society.
Experiences abroad
It was unbelievable because it all happened very easily. I had applied to only one University. They accepted my application and offered a scholarship. I took the offer. My journey thereafter has been very interesting, challenging, and enjoyable.I was immersed in my goal of completing my Ph D. I worked very hard, focused on my work, and didnot deviate from my focus. I enjoyed every bit of my studies and stay in Canada, learned many things from there. As a result, Canada has shaped my behaviour, thinking, attitude, discipline, hard work and precision in whatever I do. In short, Canadian living has moulded my personality.
Most cherished moment in career
It is not just one moment, but my life in Canada. I still cherishit because I have been mentored by world’s top-notch scientists.
Memory that brings a smile
Anytime I think of my children, Srikiran and Sarada, that brings smiles on my face and probably that feeling is the one making me to move forward. I think of them often and the pranks they used to play and the sweet memories I have of them.
Marriage
It was an arranged marriage, after I selected the bride. We learned about each other later and very surprisingly it didnot take long.My wife Manjari was a very nice and amicable. She was a talented musician. She was very humble and a caring person. She had all the best qualities one can think of and I was lucky to share my life with her. I have learned many things from her, especially her caring and compassionate nature. This has helped me in my journey for the last 35 years.
Tackling pressure
I take everything with a smile and do not act impulsively. If there is any difficulty, I will think about the pros and cons and only then take a decision. When I am in confusion, I will postpone my decision, think, and act when I am not under pressure.
Hobbies/passions
I have been an avid reader of books from the time I was young. In fact, all my siblings were always reading books. I used to be a good photographer and gardener. Now, because of lack of time, all my hobbies are on the back burner. I hope to resume them soon. I always enjoy listening to classical music because of my wife’s influence.
Spending leisure
At present, I do not have much of it. Whenever I am free, I read something or wander in the garden to examine plants and take care of them.
Dealing with politicians
I am away from politics and politicians. But in this journey, I meet and deal with many of them and they are all very nice to me.
Rapid fire:
How do you describe yourself?
A very friendly, quiet person who is affectionate and caring about each and everyone.
Your nick name at home?
Murali
Happiest moment ?
When my children were born
Lowest moment
When I lost my loved ones forever
Fav colour?
Burgundy
Fav food
South Indian food
Fav movie
RRR
Fav holiday
Sankranthi
A city you wish to visit
Any historical place
Religious/spiritual?
Spiritual
Fav actor
Dilip Kumar
Your inspiration?
My wife
Driving force
Inner urge to do better
Plans for next five years
Many plans, but I am afraid my age is catching up with me.
