Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari Passes Away at 74

Kamala Pujari, a noted organic farmer and Padma Shri awardee, passed away at the age of 74 due to kidney-related ailments. She was renowned for her work in organic farming and conservation of rare seeds, and her death was mourned by prominent leaders including President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.

Padma Shri awardee and noted organic farmer Kamala Pujari died on Saturday after suffering from kidney-related ailments, CMO sources said.

She was 74, and is survived by two sons and two daughters.

Pujari, who was admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack two days ago with kidney-related ailments, breathed her last on Saturday morning. She was being treated by a four-member medical team.

She was brought to Cuttack from Jeypore District Headquarters Hospital after her condition deteriorated.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death.

"I am saddened to hear of the passing away of Smt. Kamala Pujari, an eminent social worker and agriculturist of Odisha. She was honoured with the Padma Shri for her remarkable efforts towards conservation of rare and endangered seeds of various varieties of rice and other crops. she promoted organic farming among farmers, especially women farmers. Her contribution to organic farming and environmental protection will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to her bereaved family and friends," President Murmu said in a social media post.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi said: "Pained by the passing away of Smt. Kamala Pujari Ji. She made a monumental contribution to agriculture, particularly boosting organic agricultural practices and protecting indigenous seeds. Her work in enriching sustainability and protecting biodiversity will be remembered for years. She was also a beacon in empowering the tribal communities. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti." Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the death of the farmer and announced that her funeral would be held with full state honours.

Majhi also spoke to Pujari's son Tankadhar Pujari over the phone.

Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik said, ''Her contribution to the field of agriculture will be remembered forever,'' Born in Patraput village of Baipariguda block in Koraput district, Pujari was a promoter of organic farming and had harvested 100 varieties of rice. She was associated with the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation.

Kamala Pujari was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2019 by then President Ramnath Kovind. She was a member of the state planning board in 2018 and was conferred with the best farmer award by the Odisha government in 2004.

She also won the 'Equator Initiative Award' in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002.

Pujari's body was taken to her native village for funeral.

(With inputs from agencies.)