Shanti Devi: The Gandhian Social Worker Who Dedicated Her Life to Tribal Welfare

Shanti Devi was one of India’s most respected grassroots social workers whose life became a symbol of compassion, simplicity, and Gandhian service. For more than six decades, she worked among tribal communities in Odisha, focusing on education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and peace-building in Maoist-affected regions. Her efforts transformed thousands of lives and earned her national recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021.

Born on 18 April 1934 in the Balasore district of Odisha, Shanti Devi grew up in a traditional family during the final years of British rule in India. Even from a young age, she was deeply influenced by Gandhian values of simplicity, non-violence, and service to humanity. She studied in college for a short period, but her life took a different direction after her marriage to Ratan Das, a doctor and follower of Gandhian philosophy. At the age of just 17, she moved with him to the Koraput region of Odisha, an area known for its tribal population and extreme poverty.

The move to tribal Odisha changed the course of her life forever. Shanti Devi witnessed widespread poverty, illiteracy, disease, and social neglect among tribal communities. Instead of living a comfortable urban life, she chose to dedicate herself fully to the upliftment of marginalized people. Inspired by the teachings of Vinoba Bhave and Mahatma Gandhi, she became associated with the Bhoodan Movement, which encouraged voluntary land donations for the poor. Her participation in this movement strengthened her belief that true nation-building begins from villages and underserved communities.

One of Shanti Devi’s most important contributions was in the field of girls’ education. During the 1950s and 1960s, education among tribal girls in Odisha was extremely limited. Many families lacked awareness, resources, or social support to send girls to school. Realizing this challenge, Shanti Devi established an ashram in Gobarapalli village of Rayagada district. She worked tirelessly to provide shelter, education, and vocational training to tribal girls so they could become self-reliant.

Later, in 1964, she founded Seva Samaj in Gunupur. This institution became an important center for social welfare activities, especially for tribal women and children. Through Seva Samaj, Shanti Devi promoted literacy, hygiene, healthcare awareness, and skill development. Her approach was not limited to charity; she believed in empowering people to stand on their own feet. Many tribal girls who studied under her guidance later became teachers, social workers, and financially independent women.

Another remarkable chapter of her life was her work among leprosy patients. At a time when people suffering from leprosy faced severe discrimination and social isolation, Shanti Devi established an ashram for leprosy patients at Jabarguda in Rayagada district. She personally cared for patients who had been abandoned by society. Her humanitarian work demonstrated extraordinary courage because social stigma around leprosy was extremely strong during that period.

Shanti Devi also became known for her efforts to eradicate Yaws disease, a chronic bacterial infection affecting poor tribal populations. In villages like Sankhalapadar, the disease had become widespread and caused physical deformities and disability. Working with local communities and healthcare volunteers, she helped provide treatment and awareness to thousands of affected people. Reports suggest that over 4,000 people benefited from these efforts, and the disease was eventually eradicated from the region. Her work proved how dedicated grassroots activism can bring transformative healthcare outcomes even in remote areas.

Beyond education and healthcare, Shanti Devi also played a crucial role in peace-building. Parts of Odisha, especially tribal districts, experienced Maoist insurgency and social unrest for many years. In such difficult circumstances, she worked as a bridge between local communities and authorities. Because of her honesty, simplicity, and lifelong commitment to tribal welfare, people trusted her deeply. She consistently advocated peace, dialogue, and development instead of violence. Her moral influence helped reduce tensions in several areas affected by extremism.

Despite her extraordinary achievements, Shanti Devi lived a very simple life. She avoided publicity and remained devoted to grassroots service rather than political recognition. For decades, her contributions remained largely unknown outside Odisha. However, social activists and local communities continued to regard her as a living embodiment of Gandhian ideals. Many people lovingly referred to her as the “Koraput Gandhi” because of her selfless dedication to tribal welfare.

Recognition finally came at the national level when the Government of India awarded her the Padma Shri in 2021. The award acknowledged her lifelong service to tribal communities, women, and the underprivileged. President Ram Nath Kovind presented her with the honor during the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The moment was celebrated widely across Odisha because many believed that her work deserved recognition much earlier.

Apart from the Padma Shri, Shanti Devi also received the Jamnalal Bajaj Award and the Radhanath Rath Peace Award for her contributions to social welfare and peace-building. These honors reflected the immense respect she earned across social and humanitarian circles.

On 16 January 2022, Shanti Devi passed away at the age of 87 in Rayagada district, Odisha. Her death was mourned across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her as a voice of the poor and underprivileged who worked selflessly to reduce suffering and create a more just society. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also paid tribute to her lifelong service to tribal communities.

The life of Shanti Devi offers a powerful lesson in humanity and service. In an age dominated by material success and public image, she chose humility, sacrifice, and grassroots action. She proved that real social change does not always come from large institutions or political power; sometimes it begins with one compassionate individual willing to dedicate an entire life to helping others.

Her legacy continues through the institutions she built, the tribal girls she educated, the patients she treated, and the communities she empowered. Shanti Devi remains an enduring example of Gandhian values in modern India — a woman who transformed compassion into action and service into a lifelong mission.