Padma Shri D. Prakash Rao Admitted To SCB Hospital After Developing Breathing Complications

Cuttack: Renowned social worker and Padma Shri awardee Devarapalli Prakash Rao was admitted to SCB Hospital in Cuttack after reportedly developing breathing difficulties on Friday.

According to reports, Rao has been shifted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Pulmonology department in the hospital following deterioration of health condition and was put on oxygen support after decrease in his blood oxygen saturation.

63-year-old Rao was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award on Republic Day in 2019 by the Government of India for his contribution towards boosting the value of education among slum and orphan kids in Cuttack.

Rao, a tea seller from the Silver City has dedicated his life and whole earning towards the education of poor children .The humble tea seller found a mention in the PM’s radio talk show, 'Mann Ki Baat' where he said that Rao embodied the spirit of ‘Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya’ which means, ‘From darkness, lead me to light.’

The Prime Minister referred to him as a 'diya' which guides underprivileged kids to the path of enlightenment.

During his visit to Odisha, PM Modi had met the sexagenerian and applauded his efforts to provide education to poor and downtrodden.

(Edited by Suryakant Jena)