Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari Passes Away at 73

Bhubaneswar: Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari, renowned for her pioneering work in organic farming and preserving traditional paddy seeds, passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 73.

Pujari had been transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital from a hospital in Jeypore two days prior after her health deteriorated. She succumbed to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at SCB, sources confirmed.

A dedicated team of four doctors from the Medicine, Nephrology, and Pulmonology Departments, led by Medicine department professor Jayant Panda, was responsible for her care.

Hailing from Koraput, Kamala Pujari was widely recognized for her efforts in promoting organic farming and conserving traditional paddy seeds. She received numerous accolades for her contributions, including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019, presented by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.

Pujari’s interest in traditional farming was sparked by learning the basic techniques of paddy preservation from the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Jeypore. Her work in organic farming extended beyond personal practice; she actively mobilized communities, organized group gatherings, and advocated against the use of chemical fertilizers.