Narayani Panda does not believe in taking credit rather her works speak for themselves. The 85-year-old retired doctor from Sambalpur district of Odisha has become an inspiration for others by devoting her life for the service of needy.
During her tenure as a doctor, she served countless patients. Though she retired from her job, she has not retired from the social services. Her active involvement in varied social activities speaks volume of her selfless service for the people.
The octogenarian doctor is an active member of various social and educational organisations, health department committee and rotary club. She has been spending all her moveable and immovable assets for the welfare of the people.
Last year, Panda had donated Rs 30 lakh to Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur. The money was spent for the computer education of the students of the varsity.
“My mother used to say ‘do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing’. What is the need for such self glorification or advertising after helping others,” she said.
“In future, I have plans to transform my house into a school,” she added.
Professor Umacharan Pati, deputy registrar of GM University said, “As soon as we let her know about the objective and modalities of Mo College mission of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, she instantly pledged to donate Rs 30 lakh. She is truly an inspiration for other students.”
Panda said she had to go through many hardships during her student life and her father was unable to pay for her education. The GM University at that time had provided her stipend of Rs 25 per month to pursue medical course.
She said she would not have able to study medicine, unless the stipend was awarded to her. She expressed immense pleasure for able to do something for her alma mater.
After death of her husband Prasant Mohanty, she has been devoting her time in social service.
Aditya Prasad Padhi, former vice-chancellor of Berhampur University, described Panda as the nightingale of Sambalpur.
“She took care of her siblings. For the last 30 years, she has engaged herself for the service of others in Sambalpur and become an inspiration for others.”