Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and oncologist Nori Dattatreya at the release of the latter’s autobiography, ‘Mantada to Manhattan’, in Vijayawada on Monday (March 10, 2025).
| Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI

“There are a few people who charted new paths, created history with their contribution to society and set an example for others and renowned oncologist Nori Dattatreyudu is one among them,” said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Launching the book, titled ‘Mantada to Manhattan: The Journey of my Life’, an autobiography of Dr. Dattatreyudu, in Vijayawada on Monday (March 10, 2025), Mr. Naidu said, “Despite being a recipient of many national and international awards, considered most prestigious by the medical fraternity, what he cherishes most is gratitude from patients. That tells a lot about Dr. Dattatreyudu.”

The Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride for Telugu people that a man, hailing from a small village in Krishna district, achieved great heights and became a famous name across the globe. “But it was not a fluke of luck. The book throws light on his (Dr. Dattatreyudu’s) struggles and his mother’s sacrifices,” the Chief Minister said and described the oncologist’s life as an ‘epitome of determination and hard work’.

Recalling his family’s association with Dr. Dattatreyudu, Mr. Naidu said: “It was Dr. Dattatreyudu who treated my mother-in-law in the U.S. when she was diagnosed with cancer. After her treatment, when she felt that a cancer hospital should be made available to the people in Andhra Pradesh and former Chief Minister late N.T. Rama Rao laid the foundation of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad after consulting with Dr. Dattatreyudu.”

The Chief Minister said a similar one would be replicated in Andhra Pradesh, as land has been allotted for a cancer hospital in Amaravati. He also spoke about revolutionising the health sector by use of latest technologies.

Earlier, Dr. Dattatreyudu, recalling his journey from Mantada in Krishna district to Manhattan, said while he has travelled across the globe for guest lectures in universities, he never forgot his roots. The doctor, who studied in Vuyyuru, Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Kurnool and Hyderabad, nostalgically remembered how he used to ride a bicycle to Kaleswararao Market in the city to fetch vegetables.

“I wrote the book to convey my gratitude to all my teachers. I want to prove to the world that the education here is second to none,” the doctor, who revolutionised cancer treatment by working out ways to reduce radiation effect on people, said.

“Cancer is not a death sentence. We can beat cancer. The numerous success stories are a testament to that,” he said.

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, MLAs Buddha Prasad and Gadde Rammohan Rao and others also spoke at the event.