The recent general elections marked a significant victory for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), with notable successes in both assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
The impressive win of Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, an NRI candidate, highlights the extent of TDP’s influence.
Early Life and Education of Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar
Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, a medical professional by trade, secured a landslide victory as the TDP candidate from the Guntur Lok Sabha constituency, winning by a majority of 344,000 votes.
Born on March 7, 1976, in Burripalem village, Tenali Mandal, Guntur district, he grew up in Narasaraopet, where his father, Sambasiva Rao, established a hotel business.
Dr. Chandrasekhar excelled academically from a young age.
After completing his schooling in Narasaraopet and his intermediate studies in Guntur, he ranked 27th in the EAMCET exam out of 60,000 candidates, demonstrating his academic prowess.
He later graduated with an MBBS degree from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad.
Higher Studies and Professional Achievements
Dr. Chandrasekhar pursued higher education in the United States, earning his postgraduate degree in Internal Medicine from Geisinger Medical College, Pennsylvania, where he was the top student. He then served as a professor and physician at Sinai Hospital, part of Johns Hopkins University, for five years.
Contributions and Innovations
Facing numerous challenges during his licensing exam preparation in the US, Dr. Chandrasekhar created a comprehensive study guide to assist future medical students.
This guide became an invaluable resource for those preparing for the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
He also founded ‘UWorld,’ an online platform providing training for USMLE and other professional exams, gaining widespread recognition.
Philanthropy and Community Service
Dr. Chandrasekhar extended his services beyond the medical field, founding the Pemmasani Foundation in Dallas, USA, to provide healthcare services to NRIs without health insurance.
In Palnadu, he drilled 100 borewells and established RO mineral water plants to address the drinking water crisis. Since 2010, his foundation has been offering scholarships to meritorious students and various CSR initiatives during the global financial crisis.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Chandrasekhar’s efforts have been widely recognized. He received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Southwest Region in North Texas in 2020 and various other accolades from media organizations.
He is a member of prestigious organizations, including the Forbes Business Council and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.
Political Career
Active in the TDP’s NRI wing, Dr. Chandrasekhar donated substantial amounts to the party and organized fundraisers.
Recognizing his dedication, TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu invited him to join active politics. He swiftly transitioned to political life, winning the Guntur TDP ticket and securing a significant majority, subsequently becoming a Union Minister of State.
Personal Life
Dr. Chandrasekhar is married to Dr. Srirathna Koneru, and they have two children.
At 48, he continues to contribute significantly to both his profession and public service.