Padma Shri “Nanda Sir” passes away, PM Modi remembers his contribution to education

By B.Maharana

Bhubaneswar, December 07

Veteran teacher  Padma Shri Nanda Kishore Prusty , popularly known as ‘Nanda Sir’ died at a private hospital here today.

Prusty , a native of Kantira village in Jajpur district of Odisha  succumbed to COVID-19 virus. He was 104.

Prusty, a native of Kantira village under Sukinda police limits in Jajpur district, had  provided free education to generations of children since independence through his  ‘Chatasali’-a non-formal school for primary education.

He was awarded prestigious Padma Shri 2021  on November 9 last under the “Literature and Education” category by President Ram Nath Kovind in November.

Following the demise of Padma Shri awardee Nanda Kishore Prusty on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to pay his respect and remember “Nanda Sir’s” contribution to the field of education.

“Pained by the demise of Nanda Prusty. 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,” tweeted PM Modi.

Home Minister Amit Shah paid his respect to the Padma Shri awardee and said that the nation will always remember his selfless service.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of Nanda Kishore Prusty. He was recently conferred with the Padma Shri for his pioneer contribution towards providing free education to children in Odisha. The nation will always remember this noble soul for his selfless service. Om Shanti Shanti,” Tweeted Amit Shah.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also condole the death of Nanda Sir.