New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind today awarded at least three persons from Odisha with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the contry, for commendable contribution in their respective fields.
D Prakash Rao, a tea seller from Odisha’s Cuttack who runs a school for slum dwellers’ children was awarded by the Prez in the field of Social Work – Affordable Education at a civil investiture ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Similarly, Daitari Naik from Keonjhar, who is well-known for his initiative of carving out a 3-km-long canal, through Gonasika mountain to irrigate 100 acres of lands in his village, was conferred with the prestigious award. He was awarded in the field of social work.
Last but not the least, Kamala Pujari of Koraput district who showed a new way to farmers of the district was also honoured with Padma Shri. Pujari has revolutionised the agriculture sector in his district by mobilizing farmers to shun harmful pesticides in farming.
Notably, this year, 112 personalities were selected for the Padma awards, which were announced on the eve of Republic Day. The first set of padma award was given on 11th of this month.
Ms Kalinga