Padma Shri awardee Shanti Devi passes away
Padma Shri awardee Shanti Devi passed away at her residence in Gunupur of Rayagada district on Sunday late night. The 88-year-old Shanti Devi was a Gandhi follower and well-known social worker from Odisha.
On Sunday, Shanti Devi fell unconscious after experiencing severe chest pain. She was rushed to District Headquarters Hospital, but, was declared brought dead by the doctors, said family sources.
Shanti Devi was recently awarded the Padma Shri, India's third-highest civilian honour, for her outstanding contributions to the empowerment of tribal girls and women in the then-undivided Koraput region.
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Following the news of Shanti Devi's demise, condolences flooded in from all corners.
“Saddened to hear about the sad demise of renowned social worker Padma Shri Shanti Devi. Her selfless service for the upliftment of tribal girls in Undivided Koraput will be remembered forever. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family & all well-wishers. May her soul rest in peace,” said Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka on Twitter
Shanti Devi established an ashram for tribal children in Sankhalpadar village in Rayagada district (then undivided Koraput district) and started looking after leprosy patients there.
In 1955-56, Shanti Devi met Gandhian follower Acharya Vinoba Bhave. She then took part in Bhoodan Movement after being inspired by his ideology. She also began working for the development of tribals, destitute women, and orphaned girls.
In 1964, she established Seva Samaj Ashram in Gunupur, Rayagada, for the rehabilitation of orphans, homeless, and poor children.
Shanti Devi also has three orphanages, a hostel at Limameda for tribal girls and eight welfare centres for tribal children.
In addition to Padma Shri, she was felicitated with the Jamunalal Bazaz Award and Radhanath Rath Peace Award.
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-PTC News
