Puri: A tea seller here has received recognition for his social work.
Deb Pradhan, who runs a tea stall at Mochi Sahi here, helps poor, voiceless people through the Right To Information (RTI) Act. Pradhan is also well known for helping the destitute.
Pradhan, a resident of Udayakani village in Sisua panchayat under Astarang block, was forced to give up college due to poverty. To earn his livelihood Pradhan came to the Pilgrim City and opened a tea stall. He had been collecting information about development projects in Astarang block since years. Pradhan often seeks information on projects by filing RTI applications.
Pradhan helped many villagers to get houses under the Indira Awas Yojana of the Centre and Mo Kudia scheme of the state. He also guided many villagers to avail pensions under Central and state scheme. “Over the years, Pradhan has become a saviour of the poor. He often fights government officials to get villagers their due,” said a resident of Udayakani.
Many social activists, retired government employees and media people visit Pradhan’s tea stall to discuss welfare schemes. Bowing to public demand, Pradhan started selling Khaja (a sweet offered to Lord Jagannath) at his tea stall a few years ago.
“I am happy to help the needy. Poverty prevented me from completing college. But, I have enrolled my two sons at the SCS College in the city,” said Pradhan.
The tea seller claims that his desire to do social work started in 1999 when a super cyclone ravaged the coast of Orissa. “My village was badly hit. I saw the sufferings of villagers. I will continue to help the poor,” Pradhan said.
PNN
