Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari Passes Away at 73

Bhubaneswar: Kamala Pujari, a renowned advocate of organic farming and Padma Shri awardee, passed away early on Saturday at the age of 73. Pujari had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after her condition worsened at a hospital in Jeypore. Sadly, she suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be saved, according to hospital sources. 

A team of four doctors from various departments, including Medicine, Nephrology, and Pulmonology, was assigned to her care, led by Medicine professor Jayant Panda. 

Born in Koraput, Pujari was celebrated for her efforts in promoting organic farming and preserving traditional paddy seeds. Her dedication earned her numerous awards, most notably the Padma Shri in 2019, which is India's fourth highest civilian honor, presented to her by President Ram Nath Kovind. 

Kamala Pujari learned the techniques of preserving paddy from the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Jeypore. Her work was not just a hobby but a lifelong commitment. She mobilized communities, organized group meetings, and encouraged farmers to avoid chemical fertilizers, promoting healthier, organic farming methods. 

In 2002, she received international recognition with the Equator Initiative Award in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing pride to her home state of Odisha. Pujari’s tireless work in preserving hundreds of indigenous varieties of paddy has left a lasting legacy in the field of agriculture. 

Her contributions to organic farming and her role in conserving traditional paddy seeds have had a significant impact, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps. Kamala Pujari’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and her efforts to improve farming practices will be remembered and cherished by many. 

Remembering Kamala Pujari: A Pioneer in Organic Farming 

Kamala Pujari, a remarkable tribal woman from Koraput district in Odisha, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to organic farming and the preservation of traditional paddy seeds. Known for preserving hundreds of local paddy varieties, Kamala was awarded India's fourth highest civilian honor, the Padma Shri, in 2019. 

Belonging to the Paroja tribe, Kamala Pujari's efforts in organic agriculture gained worldwide recognition. She didn't just preserve paddy seeds; she also worked with other crops like turmeric and cumin. Kamala travelled barefoot to many villages, teaching farmers, especially women, about the benefits of organic farming and how to use organic fertilizers. 

Kamala's contributions were widely celebrated. The Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed his sorrow over her passing, calling her an extraordinary agriculturist whose work will always be remembered. Her efforts have had a lasting impact on farming practices in Odisha and beyond, inspiring many to embrace sustainable agriculture. 

FAQs 

1. Who was Kamala Pujari? 

Kamala Pujari was a tribal woman from Koraput district in Odisha, India. She was renowned for her work in preserving traditional paddy seeds and promoting organic farming. 

2. Why was Kamala Pujari famous? 

Kamala Pujari became famous for her efforts in preserving hundreds of local varieties of paddy and promoting organic farming. Her work earned her the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in 2019. 

3. What is the Padma Shri award? 

The Padma Shri is one of India's top civilian honors, ranking as the fourth highest award in the country. It is given to individuals for their exceptional contributions in various fields like arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service, and public affairs. 

4. What did Kamala Pujari do for organic farming? 

Kamala Pujari travelled to many villages, often barefoot, teaching farmers, especially women, about the benefits of organic farming. She showed them how to use organic fertilizers and promoted sustainable agricultural practices. 

5. What are some of Kamala Pujari’s notable achievements? 

Apart from preserving over 100 varieties of paddy, Kamala also conserved different types of turmeric and cumin. Her efforts in organic farming and seed preservation have been recognized worldwide. 

6. How did Kamala Pujari help her community?

Kamala Pujari mobilized her community, arranged group gatherings, and encouraged farmers to avoid using chemical fertilizers. Her teachings helped many farmers switch to organic farming methods, leading to healthier crops and sustainable practices. 

7. What impact did Kamala Pujari have on agriculture? 

Kamala Pujari’s work in organic farming and seed preservation has had a lasting impact on agriculture in Odisha and beyond. She inspired many farmers to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of traditional crop varieties. 

8. How did people react to Kamala Pujari’s passing? 

People from various walks of life, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed deep grief over Kamala Pujari’s passing. She was remembered as an extraordinary agriculturist whose contributions to organic farming will be cherished forever. 

9. What is the significance of the Paroja tribe? 

The Paroja tribe, to which Kamala Pujari belonged, is mainly found in the Koraput district of Odisha. The word “Paroja” comes from the local Odia term “Praja,” which means common citizens of the kingdom. 

10. How can Kamala Pujari’s work inspire future generations? 

Kamala Pujari’s dedication to organic farming and seed preservation shows the importance of sustainable practices and community involvement. Her work serves as an inspiration for future generations to value and protect traditional agricultural methods.