Cuttack: Eminent social worker Padma Shri D Prakash Rao, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 63, will be cremated with full state honours at Kaliaboda crematorium here in the city today.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while expressing deep anguish over the sad demise of the great social worker, had announced that Rao’s funeral will be held with full state honours.
Rao, who was admitted to the SCB Medical College Hospital here after testing positive for Covid-19, died on Wednesday after 20 days long battle in the ICU of Covid ward of the premier health institute.
"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 said the "Good Samaritan will always be remembered for his dedication to uplift the lives of children."