The week begins for our country on a sad note. Just when India was taken aback by the demise of legendary Kathak dancer Birju Maharaj, yet another demise of a famous personality has shaken Odisha as well as India. Famous Gandhian Social Worker and Padma Shri Awardee Shanta Devi passed away on Sunday midnight.
In the late hours of Sunday night, Shanta Devi suddenly felt discomfort in her chest. She then became unconscious and was rushed to the hospital. However, she was declared dead when she arrived at the hospital.
Shanta Devi selflessly dedicated her life to the upliftment of Koraput tribal girls. For this reason, she was also bestowed with Padma Shri.
She established an ashram at Sankhalpadar village in Rayagada district (then undivided Koraput district) for the tribal children and started looking after leprosy patients there. Shanti Devi met Gandhian follower Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 1955-56. Inspired by his ideology, she started working for the development of tribals, destitute women, and orphaned girls and took part in his Bhoodan Movement.
She also founded Seva Samaj Ashram at Gunupur in Rayagada district in 1964 for rehabilitating orphans, destitute and poor children. She also set up another ashram at Gunupur for the education, rehabilitation, and vocational training of orphans and destitute children.
India will mourn the loss of two legendary personalities on a single day. May their soul Rest In Peace.
