North 24 Parganas (India) correspondent: President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday handed over the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the country, to Nanda Prusty for his contributions in the field of education. The 102-year-old has been teaching children from free in Odisha’s Jajpur for decades. His name was announced for the award on Republic Day this year.
In a post on Twitter, the Rashtrapati Bhavan mentioned the award being given to Prusty, saying that the educationist in turn blessed the President. The photos of the award ceremony were also shared on the President of India’s Twitter handle.
“President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Nanda Prusty for Literature & Education. 102-yr-old “Nanda sir”, who provided free education to children and adults at Jajpur, Odisha for decades, raised his hands in a gesture of blessing the President,” the tweet from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
Nanda Mastre” (Nanda Master), as he is known in his village in chromite-rich Sukinda block of Jajpur district, is perhaps the last man who has kept the tradition of “chatashali” (a non-formal school for primary education in Odisha) alive.
At the break of dawn, children gather around the modest home of the centenarian to learn Odia alphabets and a bit of mathematics. Elders who could not attend school during their childhood come to his home at 6 pm to learn how to sign their names.
Nanda himself studied till Class 7 due to the financial condition of his family. But took it upon himself the job of spreading literacy.
Nanda Prusty’s school runs seven days a week from a makeshift hut.
The Padma Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognise achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
News is being sent by BTC News (Bangladesh) North 24 Parganas (India) correspondent, Tathyik Bhattacharya. #
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