Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condoled the death of Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari who passed away at SCB Medical College and Hospital while undergoing treatment on early Saturday morning.
Talking to Pujari’s son Tankadhara over the phone, the CM also offered his deep condolence to the bereaved family and offered heartfelt prayers for the eternal repose of her soul.
The Chief Minister said that the departure of Pujari is an irreparable loss for the entire country.
“Late Kamala Pujari was an extraordinary, virtuous and selfless woman. By preserving the seeds of hundreds of indigenous paddy and other crops and promoting organic farming, she preserved a beautiful future for human society. Her invaluable contribution to environmental protection will never be forgotten by the state and the country. Her demise is an irreparable loss for the entire country,” CM Majhi said in a statement.
Chief Minister has directed concerned authorities to conduct the last rites of the late Kamala Pujari with full state honours.
Former Chief Minister and President of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Naveen Patnaik also condoled the demise of Pujari.
Taking to Twitter, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Patnaik wrote: “I am saddened to know about the demise of Kamala Pujari, the pride and glory of Odisha. His rare achievements in collecting different varieties of rice and promoting organic farming will always be a source of inspiration. May her soul rest in peace and my condolences to the bereaved family members.”
It is pertinent to mention that Pujari was known for promoting organic farming and preserving traditional paddy seeds. She has received several awards for her contributions, including the Padma Shri in 2019.
Pujari brought laurels for the State by winning the ‘Equator Initiative Award’ in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002.
