Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani Wikipedia: A Doctor Who Became a Leader, An Inspiring Journey

Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani has emerged as a shining example of the growing participation of youth and women in the politics of Andhra Pradesh. Her journey from being a medical doctor to a Member of Parliament is not just inspiring, but also a powerful voice of aspirations and hopes of the tribal community. In the 2024 general elections, she secured a historic victory from the Araku Lok Sabha constituency, defeating a senior BJP leader as a candidate of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSR Congress). Her life is a testament to the fusion of service, education, and perseverance that leads to a strong identity in politics.

Date of Birth: July 9, 1993

Place of Birth: Addumanda Village, ASR (Alluri Sitarama Raju) District, Andhra Pradesh

Political Party: Indian National Congress (YSR Congress)

Early Life and Family Background

Dr. Thanuja Rani was born on July 9, 1993, in Addumanda village of Hukumpeta Mandal in the ASR (Alluri Sitarama Raju) district of Andhra Pradesh. Her father, Gumma Shyama Sundar Rao, and mother, Venkata Varlakshmi, belong to a humble tribal family rooted in hard work, honesty, and traditional values. Thanuja spent her childhood in a simple rural setting but always carried an innate desire to do something extraordinary.

On May 12, 2022, she married Chetti Vinay, who belongs to a respected family. She is the daughter-in-law of Chetti Phalgun, a man of distinguished reputation in society. Thanuja Rani is the mother of a daughter, Chetti Yashna, whom she considers her source of strength and inspiration.

Education and Medical Service

Dr. Thanuja Rani completed her early education at a local government school. Always a top-performing student, she went abroad for higher education and earned her MBBS degree from the International Higher School of Medicine, International University of Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.

After completing her degree, she returned to India and worked as an epidemiologist in her home district, ASR. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she did commendable work by promoting public awareness, leading vaccination drives, and delivering essential health services in rural and tribal areas. This spirit of service created a strong connection with the public and ultimately drew her toward politics.

Beginning of Political Career

Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani entered politics for the first time during the 2024 general elections. She was fielded by the YSR Congress Party from the Araku (ST) Lok Sabha constituency—one of the largest and most tribal-dominated regions of Andhra Pradesh with a population of over 1.45 million. The region is known for its challenging geographic and social conditions.

Through her simplicity, service background, and strong public outreach, she won widespread support. She secured 477,005 votes and defeated BJP’s Kothapalli Geetha by a large margin of 50,580 votes. This victory stood as a testament to her political acumen and the trust the people placed in her.

Current Position and Role as Member of Parliament

Since being elected to the Lok Sabha in 2024, Dr. Thanuja Rani has prioritized issues related to tribal women, healthcare, tribal education, and women empowerment. She is currently a member of the parliamentary committee on health and tribal welfare. Even in her first term, she has made it clear that she has come to Parliament not merely to represent, but to bring real change.

Social Service and Public Concern

Before entering politics, Dr. Thanuja Rani was actively involved in social work. From delivering healthcare during the pandemic in remote villages to promoting women’s health awareness, she has made impactful contributions.

Her special focus lies on the education and nutrition of tribal women. She has organized several women’s health camps in villages and worked with local authorities to improve primary healthcare centers.

Leadership Style and Public Connect

Dr. Thanuja’s biggest strength lies in her grassroots connection. She visits her constituency every week, listens to public grievances, and works in coordination with the administration to implement government schemes effectively.

Her simplicity, humility, and honesty make her popular among the masses. She supports modern thinking while upholding traditional values, enabling her to connect with people across various social groups.

A Symbol of Women Empowerment

Dr. Thanuja Rani has become a role model for increasing women’s participation in politics. Especially for tribal women, she has instilled confidence that they too can make their mark in fields like politics, administration, medicine, or education.

Her goal is to transform her parliamentary constituency into a model region in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. She aims to launch programs such as telemedicine centers in tribal areas, digital classrooms, and women’s skill training centers.

Dr. Thanuja Rani’s life stands as proof that with true intention, hard work, and a spirit of service, anyone can bring about change in society and the nation. Her journey from the medical field to politics demonstrates that when a woman rises, it is not just one person—but the entire community that transforms.

Today, the daughter of Araku is raising her voice in the Parliament of Delhi—not just her own voice, but that of millions of tribal women who now see hope through her.