Odisha instructor Nanda Prusty scores a century in his age and 2021 Padma Awards

Express News Service
JAJPUR: Fondly often known as ‘Nanda Mastre’, centenarian Nanda Prusty of Kantira in Sukinda block had by no means imagined he can be bestowed the coveted Padma Shri award for his service to the society. A category VII pass-out, Prusty who turned 100 this yr, has been educating kids in addition to senior residents of his village for the final seven many years. His mission is to eradicate illiteracy from his village.

“I am delighted at being chosen for the Padma Shri award. I did not know about it till a few reporters of some vernacular dailies told me about the honour. I had never imagined that the award will be bestowed on me,” he mentioned. 

Unable to review additional than class VII because of the monetary situation of his household, Nanda Mastre launched into a mission to show kids in and round his village freed from price. The frail previous man has taught as many as three generations of a lot of the households in his village. 

Bulu Malik, an area mentioned, “Nobody in the village had imagined Nanda Mastre will be chosen for the honour by the Union government. We never expected he will be conferred the coveted civilian award at this age and bring glory for our village.”

Nanda Mastre’s Chatsali, (a non formal college for major training), which features from a makeshift hut close to his home, begins on the break of daybreak on a regular basis together with Sunday. Children attend courses on the college until 9 am after which from 4 pm to six pm. Senior residents, largely illiterate, come to the Chatsali at 6 pm and the courses proceed until 9 pm.