Nabarangpur: Noted Gandhian Sarvodaya leader Nayana Majhi passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 71. She was born on October 4, 1953, in Korasahandi village, under Jharigaon block of Nabarangpur district. The daughter of Padmini Pande and Sundar Pande, Nayana was known for her calm and humble nature from childhood, making her beloved by all.
At the age of 11, in 1964, she married Harisingh Majhi, the son of prominent freedom fighter Ravisinh Majhi, from Koilari village under Dabugaon block. Harisingh was a strict vegetarian and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, spinning his own yarn and wearing khadi garments. As a daughter-in-law of a freedom fighter’s family, Nayana also followed these values.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Inspired by Gandhian principles, Nayana Majhi wore khadi throughout her life. However, at just 17 years old, she lost her husband, Harisingh. Despite this tragedy, she single-handedly raised her four sons and two daughters while actively participating in Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan (land donation) movement.
She dedicated herself to social service, residing in an orphanage established by Vinoba Bhave in Bijapur, where she nurtured orphaned children with motherly affection. Alongside this, she also led movements against alcohol abuse and fought for the land rights of tribal communities.
For her lifelong dedication to social service, Nayana Majhi was honored in 2010 during the centenary celebrations of former Chief Minister Sadashiv Tripathi. On this occasion, then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik awarded her and four other women the prestigious Bhumiputra Samman.
Throughout her life, she was recognized by various organizations for her contributions to society. As a Sarvodaya leader, she continued to be remembered and honored with commemorative awards.