Gandhian Padma Shri Shanti Devi Passes Away At 88

Gandhian Padma Shri Shanti Devi Passes Away At 88

Social worker and Padma Shri awardee Shanti Devi passed away on Sunday night at her residence in Gunupur, Rayagada district of Odisha. She passed away at the age of 88.

President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Padma Shri upon Shanti Devi on January 25, last year, for her social work in the Maoist-hit Rayagada region. She served the poor for nearly six decades, dedicating her life to the education and upliftment of tribal girls. She is also known for the eradication of Yaws, a chronic bacterial infection.

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave, she had left college at the age of 17 and moved to Koraput district with an aim to work for the poor in one of the most backward regions in the state. She was accompanied by her husband Dr. Ratan Das, for helping the poor.

Shanti founded Seva Samaj in undivided Koraput in 1964 and had been working for the tribals and destitute children ever since. She worked to wipe out a skin disease called YAWS and cured over 4,000 infected persons in Sankhalapadar village in Rayagada district.

With her team of 50 social workers and 500 volunteers, she was managing three child care institutions, an educational complex for ST girls and several creche centres in southern Odisha till her last breath. All the facilities were started by her in the last four decades.

Development of tribal girls was an issue close to her heart. Around 100 tribal girls are currently studying free of cost in the educational complex at Limameda village near Gunupur, that she set up with help of the Centre in 1993.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the Padma Shri awardee and said that she will be remembered as a voice of the poor and underprivileged.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also extended his grief at her death.

“Saddened to learn of the death of Padma Shri Award-winning social worker Shanti Devi. Her lifelong efforts to help the needy and tribal have always been inspiring. Her contribution to social work is invaluable. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish them well,” Patnaik tweeted in Odia.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, too, expressed his condolences to the family over the social activist’s demise. 

People from all walks of life visited the ashram to pay their last respects. Her mortal remains will be consigned to flames later today.