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News and EventsDr. Chandrasekhar Sankurathri
“Turning Immeasurable Personal Loss into a Living Legacy of Hope, Sight, and Education for Millions.”
Padma Shri Civilian Honor (2023)
Conferred with India’s prestigious Padma Shri award by the President of India on 22nd March 2023 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, recognizing 33+ years of selfless humanitarian service in restoring eyesight and educating rural children.
A Life Transformed by Compassion
At the age of 42, Dr. Chandrasekhar Sankurathri was a successful Canadian government scientist in Ottawa. On 23rd June 1985, his world was shattered when his wife Manjari, 6-year-old son Srikiran, and 3-year-old daughter Sarada were tragically killed in the Air India Flight 182 Kanishka bombing off the coast of Ireland.
Refusing to succumb to hatred or despair, Dr. Sankurathri resigned from his scientific post in Canada and returned to India in 1988 with a solemn vow: to dedicate every remaining moment of his life to eradicating illiteracy and preventable blindness among the poorest rural families of Andhra Pradesh.
The Three Pillars of Service
Institutions established by Dr. Chandrasekhar Sankurathri in loving memory of his family to uplift rural lives.
Srikiran Institute of Ophthalmology
Named after his son Srikiran. A state-of-the-art super-specialty eye care hospital delivering high-volume, world-class ophthalmic care with 76% free care for the poor.
Sarada Vidyalayam High School
Named after his daughter Sarada. Providing free English-medium education, textbooks, uniforms, and nutritious meals to over 4,500 underprivileged rural children (80% girls).
Manjari Sankurathri Memorial Foundation
Named after his wife Manjari. A registered Canadian charity (MSMF) and Indian registered Trust (Sankurathri Foundation) powering grassroots health and education.
Remarkable Achievements & Impact (1989 – Present)
National & International Honors
Recognized worldwide by governments, global organizations, and civic bodies for extraordinary humanitarian service.
Awards in India
- 2023: Padma Shri Award presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- 2019: Dr. Ramineni Foundation USA Special Award for 30 years of service.
- 2019: Certificate of Appreciation by Vice-President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu.
- 2014: Karmaveer Puraskaar by iCONGO NGOs.
- 2013: Senior Citizen Award by CNN-IBN.
- 2010: Real Heroes of India by CNN-IBN.
- 2003, 2002: Best NGO Award by Govt of AP for maximum cataract surgeries.
Awards in Canada
- 2016: Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award by Canadian Ophthalmological Society.
- 2015: Haldar Hero Award (Haldar Heroes, Canada).
- 2013: Humanitarian of the Year by Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce.
- 2012: Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honorary Doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
- 2010: Certificate of Recognition by Government of Ontario, Canada.
- 2009: Featured among “Six People Making Canada Proud” by CBC Canada.
USA & Global Honors
- 2008: CNN Hero (CNN International, USA) – First Indian ever to receive this honor.
- 2012: Silicon Andhra USA Special Recognition for Service to Humanity.
- 2010: Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation NY Award for Vision & Leadership.
- 2009: Selected as “Top 10 Influential Telugu NRIs”.
- Global: Named Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International Foundation, USA.
Education & Scientific Experience
Academic Qualifications
Scientific & Leadership Posts
Global Documentaries & Media Feature Stories
Dr. Sankurathri’s story has inspired millions around the world, documented by leading international television networks and newspapers.