Centenarian Gandhian leader Nishakar Das passes away in Koraput

Nandapur: Renowned Gandhian and active member of the Bhoodan Movement Nishakar Das breathed his last at his residence in Padua village of Kulabir panchayat under Nandapur block of Koraput district, today. He was 104.

The elderly man was suffering from old-age-related complications for the last few months. He is survived by his three sons, three daughters-in-law, two daughters, two sons-in-law and grandchildren.

The centenarian’s body was cremated with full State Honour later in the day at Kulabir cremation ground. A pall of gloom descended the district after news about Nishakar’s sad demise spread.

Nishakar plunged into the freedom movement when he was 15 years old after being inspired by the principles of Gandhiji. He joined the Banar Sena during Gandhiji’s fifth visit to Odisha from May 5 to May 21, 1934 and sang Ramdhun in a number of meetings.

The centenarian later joined Bhoodan Movement and fought against British Rule. He was then jailed several times. He worked for Swadeshi Jagaran, Gramya Swaraj and de-addiction etc.