Dr. Balasundaram Dasari, M.D.

Dr. Balasundaram Dasari, M.D., born on January 10th, 1932, in the rural West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India (at the time still a British colony), departed from this world on May 3rd, 2024 in Little Rock, AR. He was raised by his mother, Laxmamma, after the tragic loss of his father at 10 months of age. Despite the hardships life threw at him, he always believed in working hard and was known to be an extremely determined individual.
 
Balasundaram Dasari had a passion for education and excelled in school. After attending Andhra University Medical College for his M.B.B.S., he completed his M.D. in Biochemistry at Guntur Medical College. He was a beloved teacher known for his compassion and willingness to help any student, colleague, neighbor, or person that sought help. He soon gained full professorship, going on to teach at both Sri Venkateswara Medical College and Kakatiya Medical College.
 
Balasundaram Dasari was a cherished family member and became a devoted spouse to Jalaja Dasari (whom he met in Guntur), with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship since their marriage on February 6th, 1967. They were blessed with two children, Kanthi and Raghuram.

Not long after teaching in India, the family moved to Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Although they were one of few Indian families in the area, they nonetheless found a community while working as physicians.

Balasundaram and his family ultimately settled in the United States, moving to New York in 1981 for his psychiatry residency, after the completion of which they moved to Iowa where Kanthi and Raghuram attended college, both ultimately becoming excellent physicians in their own right. Balasundaram and Jalaja eventually settled, working as psychiatrists at the VA, in Salisbury, N.C., where they were frequently visited by their three grandchildren, Kiran, Anil, and Vijay. After retirement, Balasundaram and Jalaja moved to Little Rock, A.R., where Balasundaram lived the rest of his life.

Balasundaram Dasari is survived by his loving family members and cherished friends:
- Jalaja Dasari
- Two children: Raghuram Dasari and Kanthi Dasari, and their respective spouses, Sheela Konda and Raj Chakka
- Three grandchildren: Kiran Chakka, and his spouse Rachana Kombathula; Anil Chakka; and Vijay Dasari

In his leisure time, Bala enjoyed engaging in many hobbies and interests, namely sports such as tennis, ping pong, and soccer, all of which he possessed great skill in. His passion for gardening and keeping things neat and tidy, both inside and outside brought joy and fulfillment to his life, and his legacy in his activities of choice will forever be remembered by his family, many of whom he taught as well.

Balasundaram Dasari touched the lives of many with his warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. He was stubborn, yet possessed a quick-wit and everlasting sense of humor, never missing a chance to make those around him laugh. He was a great man who will be deeply missed, but never forgotten, by all who knew and loved him.

Special message:

The family of Balasundaram Dasari would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported and cared for him during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion have meant the world to us.