Social activist Padma Shri D Prakash Rao no more

Cuttack: Noted social activist and tea seller Padma Shri D Prakash Rao passed away while undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital here today. He was 63. Rao is survived by two daughters.

The social worker died following a brain stroke, informed family sources.

He was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 on December 25. He was also being treated for kidney-related ailments. Rao was shifted to the ICU of the hospital after his condition deteriorated.

He breathed his last at 4:15 PM today while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

A team of doctors comprising Dr Jayant Panda (Medicine), Dr Jyoti Patnaik (Pulmonary), Dr Bidyut Das (HoD, Rheumatology), Dr Umesh Patra (HoD, Hepatology), Dr RK Jena (HoD, Hematology) and Dr Satyanarayan Routray (HoD, Cardiology) were engaged for treatment of the eminent personality  at the hospital.

The social worker was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019 for providing education to children free of cost. He ran a school named Asha O Ashwasana in Buxi Bazaar area here to provide free education to slums kids from Class I to V.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a radio talk show ‘Mann Ki Baat’, had praised the tea seller for his generosity and philanthropic activities.

As soon as the news of Rao’s demise broke out, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief.

Deeply saddened to know about the demise of philanthropist Padma Shri D Prakash Rao. The Good Samaritan will always be remembered for his dedication to uplift the lives of children through education. My thoughts & prayers with the bereaved family members. RIP

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 13, 2021