Truly inspirational - Class 3 dropout receives fourth highest civilian awards
Padma Shri (also Padmashree) is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Awarded by the Government of India, it is announced every year on India's Republic Day.
Meet Padma Shri Haldhar Nag recipient of Padma Shri award this year.
A Class 3 Dropout.But like every other successful person, his journey was never easy.He lost his father at the age of 10 and because of financial problems, he got a job as a dishwasher at a local sweet shop.After 2 years, the village head took him to the high school where he worked as a cook for 16 years.
The poet in Kosli language has written 20 epics and remembers all the poems. He wrote his first poem ‘Dhodo Bargachh’ (The Old Banyan Tree) in 1990.
The BBC has made a documentary on his life and works.He had been a topic of research for five PhD scholars.
Haldhar Nag, always clad in dhoti and vest, has never even worn any footwear. In fact, he went to receive Padma award at Rashtrapati Bhavan bare feet.
His work will soon be compiled by Sambalpur University and make it a part of its syllabus.
He is now known as Lok Kabi Ratna in Odisha - India.
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