Dilip Kumar

Cuttack: Mortal remains of Padma Shri D Prakash Rao, who passed away on Wednesday at SCB Medical College, were consigned to flames at Kaliaboda cremation ground here in the city today with full state honours.

As guns boomed and police personnel reversed their firearms, a host of dignitaries including Rajya Sabha member Subhas Singh, Cuttack (Barabati) MLA Md Moqium, former MLA Prabhat Biswal, Collector Bhabani Charan Chaini and DCP Pratik Singh among others paid their last respect to the departed soul. Rao’s daughter Bhanipriya lit the funeral pyre in presence of her family members, relatives and around hundred school children.

Rao succumbed to a brain stroke at SCB Medical College where he was undergoing treatment for last 20 days. He had tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted in the special Covid ward.

"Though he had recovered from Covid-19 but had developed complications after a brain stroke. His oxygen saturation suddenly dipped and despite all efforts by the doctors, he lost the battle," said Prof Jayant Panda, head of the Department of Medicine.

Rao was known for his contribution towards imparting education to slum and orphan children in Cuttack. He was also an avid blood donor. He had donated blood over 200 times in his entire life.

He was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019 for his contributions to the society in the field of social work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the demise of Rao, who earned his livelihood and undertook social activities by selling tea at Buxi Buzar in Cuttack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "Saddened by the demise of Shri D Prakash Rao. The outstanding work that he 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," Modi said on Twitter.

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

CM Naveen Patnaik tweeted the "Good Samaritan will always be remembered for his dedication to uplift the lives of children."

scrollToTop