Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her demise, stating, “Shanti Devi Ji will be remembered as a voice of the poor and underprivileged.”
Well-known social worker from Odisha, Gandhian follower and Padma Shri, Shanti Devi passed away on Sunday late night at her residence in Gunupur of Rayagada district. She was 88.
Shanti Devi, known in Odisha as a compassionate woman, a philanthropist, has been awarded the title for her outstanding contribution to the field of social work. She was the President of Seva Samaj at Rayagada, Odisha. She eradicated yaws disease successfully in Sankhalapadar village near Rayagada.
A brief look at her life, born on April 18, 1934, in Balasore, Shanti Devi had moved to Koraput after her marriage to Dr Ratan Das at the age of 17. She started her career as a social worker with the support of her husband.
Shanti Devi mainly worked for the development and education of tribal girls. She had set up an ashram for leprosy patients at Jabarguda under Padmapur block in Rayagada district.
She also founded the Seva Samaj ashram at Gunupur in 1964 for imparting education to the tribal girls. She also set up another ashram at Gunupur for the education, rehabilitation and vocational training of orphans and destitute children.
Shanti Devi was also associated with a number of Gandhian organisations. In 1994, she received Jamunalal Bazaz Award. She is also a recepient of Radhanath Rath peace award and many state level and national-level awards.
She had received the prestigious Padma Shri award from President Ram Nath Kovind on November 9, last year.
She had immense contribution towards restoring peace in the Maoist-affected areas of the state. She was also spearheading voluntary organization Seva Samaj.
On her death, many eminent personalities remembered her and praised her of the fabulous work she had done in her life and how that made such a big difference in the society.
“Shanti Devi Ji will be remembered as a voice of the poor and underprivileged. She worked selflessly to remove suffering and create a healthier as well as just society. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and countless admirers. Om shanti,” Prime minister Modi tweeted.
In his condolence message in Odia, Naveen Patnaik said: “Saddened to know about the demise of social activist and Padma Shri awardee Shanti Devi. Her lifelong efforts for the uplift of the distressed will remain as an inspiration. Her contribution to social service is incomparable. I wish peace for the departed soul.”
