Overview

• Anna Konidela, wife of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, performed a head-tonsuring ritual at Tirumala temple to fulfill a vow made during her son's medical crisis.
• Her son, Mark Shankar, sustained burns to his hands and legs in a school fire accident in Singapore on April 8, 2025, and is now gradually recovering after treatment.
• As a Russian Orthodox Christian, Anna signed a declaration of faith in Lord Venkateshwara, as required by Tirupati Devasthanam rules, before participating in the ritual.
• Pawan Kalyan revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called to express concern and provided support through the High Commission in Singapore during the ordeal.
• The family returned to India on April 12, and Anna completed the ritual on April 13, drawing public and political attention to the intersection of personal resilience and cultural tradition.