Padma Shri D Prakash Rao passes away in Cuttack of Odisha: PM Modi, CM Naveen Patnaik condole demise of Rao

Cuttack: Social worker Padma Shri D Prakash Rao passed away at the age of 63 on Wednesday afternoon in Cuttack of Odisha. He reportedly died due to brain stroke. Emergency officer of SCB Dr. Bhubanananda Maharana intimated about his death.

Last rites of Shri Rao will be performed with State honours, announced Odisha CM.

Rao was unwell for the last few days. He had been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment on December 25.

D Prakash Rao was honoured with Padma Shri in 2019 for his contribution towards boosting the value of education among slum kids in Cuttack. He had started social work from his tea stall. Rao started the school ‘Asha O Ashwasana’ in Buxi Bazaar area in 2000 to provide free education to slums kids when he saw kids in his neighbourhood taking to petty crimes. He was running the school for slum dwellers’ children with the money that he was earning from selling tea in his tea stall.

Apart from his school, Rao was also a well-known blood donor. He has donated blood for more than 200 times.

Saddened by the demise of Shri D Prakash Rao. The outstanding work that has been done will continue motivating people. He rightly saw education as a vital means to empowerment. I recall my meeting with him in Cuttack a few years ago. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti”.

‘He will always be remembered for his selfless service in transforming the lives of thousands of poor kids through his school ‘Asha o Ashwasana’,” expressed Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal.

Hon’ble Governor mourns the sad demise of noted social activist Padmashree D. Prakash Rao. ‘’He will always be remembered for his selfless service in transforming the lives of thousands of poor kids through his school ‘Asha o Ashwasana’,” expressed the Hon’ble Governor. pic.twitter.com/BBoICY8DqX

— Governor Odisha (@GovernorOdisha) January 13, 2021

During his visit to Cuttack Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met him. Saddened by the demise of Shri D Prakash Rao PM Modi took to tweet to condole demise of Shri Rao.

Saddened by the demise of Shri D Prakash Rao. The outstanding work that has done will continue motivating people. He rightly saw education as a vital means to empowerment. I recall my meeting with him in Cuttack a few years ago. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/ECZ0NUFush

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2021

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik condoled demise of Shri Rao and said, “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”

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