Padma Shri awardee and teacher Nanda Prusty, who was admitted to a hospital in Odisha’s Jajpur district last week, passed away on Tuesday.
According to a doctor at the district hospital, Prusty had been ill for the past month and was suffering from fever, cough and other old-age ailments. Nanda Prusty, popularly known as ‘Nanda Master’, was honored with the Padma Shri on November 9 for his long contribution in the field of education and social service.
Nanda Prusty spent several decades of his life providing free education to children and adults in Jajpur district in Odisha. Prusty, who had to discontinue his studies after Class 7 owing to his family’s financial condition, had been teaching children free of cost since Independence with the goal of eradicating illiteracy in his village.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the Padma Shri awardee and said that he will be remembered for generations.
PM Modi tweeted, “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.”
