Bhubaneswar: Padma Shri awardee and centenarian teacher from Jajpur, Nanda Kishore Prusty passed away here in a private hospital on Tuesday.
He had contracted Covid-19 and was admitted to a Covid hospital in Jajpur district. As his health condition deteriorated, Mr.Prusty was shifted to Sum Hospital here. He died at the age of 104, the family sources said.
The centenarian teacher belongs to Kantira village under Sukinda block of Jajpur district. Mr.Prusty was loved by one and all for his selfless dedication towards eradicating illiteracy in the area.
On November 9, he was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his contributions in the field of education.
Nanda Sir, who was a class-7 pass out, spent several decades of his life providing free education to children and adults in Jajpur in Odisha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Home Minister Amit Shah, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and many leaders paid condolences to the departed soul.
Sharing his picture with the teacher on microblogging site twitter, PM Mr.Modi said, “Pained by the demise of Shri Nanda Prusty Ji. The much respected “Nanda Sir” will be remembered for generations due to his efforts to spread the joys of education in Odisha. He drew the nation’s attention and affection a few weeks ago at the Padma Awards ceremony. Om Shanti.”
Mr.Patnaik said he has saddened to know about the death of Mr.Prusty. “His valuable contribution to the field of education and his lifelong sacrifice will remain an ideal for forever. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Mr.Patnaik said.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Nanda Kishore Prusty Ji. He was recently conferred with the Padma Shri for his pioneer contribution towards providing free education to the children in Odisha. Nation will always remember this noble soul for his selfless service. Om Shanti Shanti,” Mr.Shah said in his message on twitter.
Mourning over the death of the teacher, the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said that the departure of Nanda Sir is an irreparable loss for the State as well as the country’s education.
“I am saddened by the loss of Padma Shri Nanda Kishore Prusty. The demise of Nanda Sir, who had been teaching little children for three generations without pay, is an irreparable loss not only for Odisha but also to the entire education field of India,” Mr.Pradhan wrote on his Twitter handle.