Padma Shree Awardee Shanti Devi Passes Away at 88

PM Modi and other leaders express grief!

Social Worker and Padma Shree Awardee Shanti Devi also known as Lugdi Devi passed away last night at her residence in Gunupur in the Rayagada district of Odisha. She was 88.

Shanti Devi is a Padma Shree Awardee, she is also felicitated with Jamunalal Bazaz Award and Radhanath Peace award.  She received the Padma Shri award on November 9, 2021, from President Ram Nath Kovind and is also known for her dedication towards the underprivileged community and restoring peace in Maoist-affected areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many other leaders have expressed their grief, according to the tweet, PM said, "Shanti Devi will be remembered as a voice of poor and underprivileged. She works 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" tweeted PM Modi.

Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik also expressed his grief on the demise of Padma Shree Awardee, he said, “saddened to learn of the death of Padma Shree 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” said the CM in Odia.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, too, expressed his condolences to the family over the social activist’s demise. “Saddened by the demise of noted social worker, Smt. Shanti Devi Ji. She will be remembered for her untiring efforts for the empowerment of tribal girls through education. My deepest condolences to her family” read the tweet.

She dedicated her life to the education of tribal girls and is also known for the eradication of Yaws, a chronic bacterial infection.