Condolences On Death Of Padma Shri Kamala Pujari

BY AKSHYA ROUT

 JAJPUR, JULY 20 :  Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari passed away due to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, the hospital officials informed on Saturday.

 Acclaimed for her contributions to organic farming and conservation of native paddy varieties, Kamala Pujari was admitted to SCB two days back again due to health-related issues. Hospital sources said she died due to cardiac arrest. The tribal lady from Koraput is known for her pioneering work in organic agriculture.

 For this reason, she was awarded the Padma Shri. Pujari brought laurels for the State by winning the ‘Equator Initiative Award’ in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002. It is pertinent to mention here that Pujari was not keeping well and had earlier undergone treatment at SCB multiple times in the past. She was suffering from kidney-related ailments.

 A four-member team was engaged for the treatment of Pujari. Sources said that she had undergone dialysis recently. She was not consuming food and suffered a cardiac arrest early today. Dharamasala MLA Hiamsnhu Sekhar Sahoo expressed his grief over demise of Kamala Pujari. “Padma Shri Kamala Pujari played a champion role in preserving indigenous paddy varieties and other seeds. She also promoted organic farming. 

Her contribution towards environment protection was immense which Odisha and the nation can never forget.” “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of Padma Shri Kamala Pujari. She will always be remembered for her outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture and social reforms Akash Das Nayak MLA Korei.

 Former Minster Pritiranjan Ghadei Said Her passing marks the end of an era for the agricultural community in Odisha.  He said the state or country cannot forget her contributions in the field of environmental protection.

Expressing grief over her death, the Writer Taraprasad Mishra  said she had helped secure the future of human society by preserving hundreds of indigenous varieties of rice and other grain seeds, besides promoting organic farming. “Her invaluable contribution to protect the environment will never be forgotten by the state and the country.”