ANNOTTO BAY, St Mary – Dr Nagendrababu Chandolu no longer regards Jamaica as just the country where he works. It is the place he has called home for years and which has now officially recognised the impact he has made during that time.

“I feel deeply honoured and humbled,” the Annotto Bay physician told the Jamaica Observer last Saturday.

He had just been presented with a special commendation from the High Commission of India during a celebration to mark the country’s 80th Independence Day, which was held under the theme ‘Strengthening the Bonds of Friendship — India and Jamaica.’ The certificate acknowledged Dr Chandolu’s national award from Jamaica and his contribution to strengthening the bonds between the two countries.

He is among 140 individuals who will be formally recognised during the annual Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards on National Heroes’ Day at King’s House in St Andrew this October. Dr Chandolu will receive the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his work in medicine and community service.

“This national award is not just recognition of my work, it is recognition of every sacrifice my team and family have made. It tells them the struggles and the belief in serving others were worth it. Jamaica is my adoptive home and I am committed to giving back,” he said.

Dr Chandolu first came to Jamaica in November 2012 and began practising at Annotto Bay Hospital in 2014. He credits former Senior Medical Officer Dr Ray Frazer for helping him settle in, and still remembers the warmth he received from other Jamaicans.

Dr Nagendra Babu Chandolu, his wife Dr Alekya Daram Chandolu, and son Ashwin Subash revel in the High Commission of India’s recognition of the contribution he has made to strengthen the bonds between Jamaica and India.

“The culture, the music, the resilience, it touched me. I saw a beautiful country with so much heart, but also communities that needed support,” he said.

What he saw pushed him beyond the clinic as he also took note of children without books, families without meals, and elders overlooked.

“I could not sit and watch, so we started small by donating books; [doing] feeding programmes, health drives; and working with schools and churches to host free medical camps. Once you start helping children you realise how many more need help,” Dr Chandolu said.

Through Ashish Community Health Organisation, Ashwin Multi Speciality and Diagnostic Center Ltd, and Ashish Health Care, Dr Chandolu has taken health care and hope into communities across St Mary for more than a decade. His medical outreach clinics have also received support from the Indian High Commission, which has partnered with him to provide resources and strengthen medical missions for vulnerable residents.

On Saturday he told those present that adjusting to a new country was not always easy but the people made it possible. Now the national honour has given him even more purpose.

“My plan is to expand. I want to do more for schools and society to provide learning resources, mentorship, and support for children and senior citizens’ health. I also want to strengthen community programmes that help the elderly and families live with dignity. This award gives me more energy to keep going if the work is not done, as long as there is a need to be there,” the humble doctor said.