Tribute: Padma Shri Nanda Sir’s contribution will be remembered for long

Bhubaneswar: The demise of Padma Shri Nanda Kishore Prusty, fondly known as ‘Nanda Sir’, has created an unfillable void in Odisha.

The centenarian teacher of Kantira village under Sukinda block of Jajpur district was loved by one and all for his selfless dedication towards eradicating illiteracy in the area.

On November 9, he received the prestigious Padma Shri award from the President of India for his contributions in the field of education.

Nanda Sir, who was a class-7 pass out, had been teaching children as well as elders at his chatashali (a non-formal school for primary education) for more than 70 years. Moreover, he was not charging a single penny for teaching.

It all started in the year 1948. As Prusty became a class-7 pass out, his uncle arranged a job for him in Cuttack. However, his father was not willing to send him to the city. Being unable to get higher education, Prusty decided to help his father in agricultural activities.

After working at the farm land, Prusty started providing education to the children of the village for free during his leisure time. Going a step further, he also educated elders of the locality.

While children came to the chatashali in the morning, Prusty became guru for the elders during the evening slot. He was in his mid 20s at that time.

The thought of educating adults struck Prusty as he found that villagers, mostly labourers, were illiterate and using thumb impression. The purpose was to make them capable of at least signing, reading and writing in Odia language.

Many of his students went on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, political leaders and successful personalities.

Prusty had recently tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He breathed his last at around 1.30 pm, today.