Padma Shri awardee and social activist Shanti Devi passes away

Shanti Devi Ji will be remembered as a voice of the poor and underprivileged. She worked selflessly to remove suffering and create a healthier as well as just society. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and countless admirers. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/66MLo73LUK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2022

President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Padma Shri upon Shanti Devi on January 25, last year, for her social work in the Maoist-hit Rayagada region. She served the poor for nearly six decades, dedicating her life to the education and upliftment of tribal girls. She is also known for the eradication of Yaws, a chronic bacterial infection.

Remembering the golden moment when Ms Shanti Devi, a Gandhian social worker who served the poor for 6 decades, was conferred with Padma Shri. Her legacy & noble service will be forever known as the ‘voice of the poor and underprivileged’. Om Shanti. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/JZYr8lnkrN

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) January 17, 2022

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, too, expressed his condolences to the family over the social activist’s demise. “Saddened by the demise of noted social worker, Smt. Shanti Devi Ji. She will be remembered for her untiring efforts for the empowerment of tribal girls through education. My deepest condolences to her family,” a tweet on his official handle read.

Saddened by the demise of noted social worker, Smt. Shanti Devi Ji. She will be remembered for her untiring efforts for the empowerment of tribal girls through education. My deepest condolences to her family. Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/h69c126IUV

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 17, 2022