Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari Passes Away at 74

Kamala Pujari, the renowned Padma Shri awardee and pioneering organic farmer, passed away at the age of 74 due to kidney-related ailments. She was being treated at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack but succumbed to her condition early on Saturday. Her death has prompted condolences from prominent leaders and the announcement of state honours by the Odisha government.

Hospitalization and Death

Kamala Pujari was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack two days prior to her death, after her condition worsened. A four-member medical team had been attending to her. She was transferred from Jeypore District Headquarters Hospital due to the severity of her ailments.

Condolences and Tributes

• President Droupadi Murmu: Expressed sadness over Pujari’s passing, highlighting her significant contributions to organic farming and conservation of rare seeds.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Paid tribute to Pujari’s monumental contributions to agriculture, particularly in organic practices and biodiversity protection, and extended condolences to her family.
• Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi: Announced that Pujari’s funeral would be held with full state honours and conveyed his grief over the loss.

Notable Achievements

• Padma Shri Award: Conferred in 2019 for her exceptional work in organic farming.
• Other Awards: Received the ‘Equator Initiative Award’ in 2002 and the Best Farmer Award by the Odisha government in 2004.
• Contributions: Promoted organic farming, harvested 100 varieties of rice, and was associated with the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation.

Final Arrangements

Pujari’s body was transported to her native Patraput village in Baipariguda block, Koraput district, for the funeral.