Padma Shri awardee and centenarian teacher from Odisha, Nanda Prusty (fondly called Nanda Sir) was on Monday tested positive for Covid-19.
Prusty, a resident of Kantira village in Sukinda block, has been admitted to a private hospital in Kalinga Nagar area of Jajpur district. His health condition is said to be in a critical stage, said hospital sources.
Prusty was taken ill on Monday after he suddenly fell down complaining uneasiness. His family members rushed him to Jajpur district headquarters hospital for treatment.
However, his samples tested positive for Covid infection and soon he was transferred to a Covid hospital.
Meanwhile, BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda sent wishes for a speedy recovery of the veteran educator.
On Monday, Prusty was threatened by some miscreants while his son was thrashed by the assailants over a land dispute case. A manhunt has been launched to trace the whereabouts of the accused, said police.
Prusty was honoured with the Padma Shri by the President of India earlier this month for his over seven decade-long contribution in the field of education, and social service.
Prusty at 103 still imparts free-of cost teaching to primary students at his 'Chatashali'.