Jharsuguda 3rd Sept 2025: A wave of mourning has swept across Dhutara village, under Orda Panchayat of Kirimira Block, Jharsuguda district, following the untimely demise of Ashish Kumar Prithviraj (28)—a gentle, calm, and well-mannered youth.
Ashish passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 11:40 AM while undergoing treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital, Jharsuguda.
Once a lecturer in the Department of Physics at a private college, Ashish had, just three months ago, secured a position as a Junior Teacher at Panchayat Samiti Higher Secondary School, Badgaon, Sundargarh, based on his merit. His appointment had brought immense joy to his family and pride to his village.
Ashish’s promising journey, which many believed would lead him to become a government college lecturer, had made him a symbol of pride and hope for the entire region. His sudden passing has shocked all who knew him.
Upon receiving the news of his death, hundreds of people from nearby and distant villages gathered to pay their final respects. From the hospital to his residence, and finally to the cremation ground, the only talk on everyone’s lips was about the kind-hearted and talented young man they had lost.
At his final rites, several dignitaries were present, including:
- Former Jharsuguda MLA Deepali Das
- Principal of Panchayat Samiti HSS Badgaon, Dr. Supriya Pal
- PGT teachers Ananta Bariha and Satyanarayan Prushet, along with Suraj Kumar Behera and Sambit Sahu
- Former Sarpanch Chudamani Sahu and local leader Sarat Binapani Podh
- Farmer leader Jagannath Jena
- Chief Security and Administrative Officer of Ultratech Cement, Debanand Biswal
- Development Officer Simon Barik, among other local dignitaries
Finally, in the presence of family members, villagers, and respected personalities of the region, Ashish’s last rites were performed at the village cremation ground, as he was laid to rest in the lap of the five elements.
May his soul rest in peace.