Padma Shri Awardee Shanti Devi Passes Away, PM Expresses Grief

New Delhi: Padma Shri awardee and social activist Shanti Devi passed away last night at her residence in Gunupur, Rayagada district of Odisha.

On January 25 last year, President Ramnath Kovind conferred the Padma Shri upon Shanti Devi for her social work in the Maoist-hit Rayagada region.

Notably, she served the poor for nearly six decades, dedicating her life to the education and upliftment of tribal girls. She is also known for the eradication of Yaws.

Taking to the micro-blogging site Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi express grief over her demise and said, "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."

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, too, expressed his condolences to the family and said, ''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."

Also read: Legendary Kathak Dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj Passes Away At 83 In Delhi

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