Ganjam Dist Administration honours living legends Dr Dr. K. Laxmibai & Guru Simanchal Patra
News.Odishabarta
Chatrapur, February 21, 2026: In a heartfelt tribute to age, achievement and lifelong service, the Ganjam District Administration marked “Senior Citizens Week” and the World Day of Social Justice by honouring two of the district’s most distinguished personalities at their residences. The initiative, led by the Social Security Section, combined public awareness programmes and sports activities with a deeply personal gesture — celebrating two living legends of Ganjam.
The district administration specially felicitated Dr. K. Laxmibai, a pioneering gynaecologist of Berhampur, and Guru Shri Simanchal Patra, an eminent exponent of traditional Prahallad Natak and recently nominated for the Padmashree. The honours were conferred at their respective homes as a mark of respect and gratitude for their lifelong contributions to society.
Expressing admiration for both personalities, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan stated that their dedication, discipline and achievements have not only brought pride to Ganjam but have also made them enduring sources of inspiration for the entire state of Odisha.
Dr. K. Laxmibai, a resident of Berhampur, has carved a distinguished place in the field of women’s healthcare. Known for providing dignified and accessible medical services to generations of women, she remains a respected figure in the district’s medical fraternity. Notably, she was among the first batch of MBBS students of S.C.B. Medical College — a milestone that reflects both her pioneering spirit and her longstanding commitment to the profession.
A team comprising Berhampur Tahasildar Rakesh Parida, District Social Security Officer Krushna Chandra Behera, Sub-Divisional Social Security Officer (Chatrapur) Sasmita Swain, Block Social Security Officer Sushree Akasheeni Nayak, and Braille Press Manager Prakash Narayan Rath visited her residence at Bhabanagar, Berhampur. She was honoured with an uttariya and a fruit basket as tokens of respect.
In a similar gesture, Guru Shri Simanchal Patra was felicitated at his residence in Bomkei village under Digapahandi Tahasil. A towering figure in Odisha’s traditional Prahallad Natak, he has devoted his life to preserving and promoting the rich folk theatre tradition of the region. His recent nomination for the Padmashree stands as national recognition of his cultural contributions.
Digapahandi Tahasildar Santosh Kumar Sahu, along with the same district officials, presented him with an uttariya, and a fruit basket in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the arts.
The celebrations during Senior Citizens Week served as a reminder that true wealth lies not merely in years lived, but in lives that have enriched society. By honouring these stalwarts, Ganjam reaffirmed its respect for experience, service and cultural legacy — values that continue to shape its identity.
I&PR,Ganjam
