Veteran Educationist and Social Reformer Parshuram Samal Passes Away at 92
Jajpur, Odisha: The district of Jajpur bid farewell to one of its most respected educationists and social reformers, Parshuram Samal, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 92. He breathed his last at SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar following age-related complications, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to teaching, community upliftment, and social harmony.
After official formalities, his mortal remains were brought back to his native village Angalo, where an unprecedented outpouring of grief was witnessed. Hundreds of villagers, former students, teachers, and community leaders joined a solemn procession that carried him to the school where he taught and shaped countless young minds. The emotional tribute reflected the deep respect and affection he commanded across generations.
Parshuram Samal devoted more than five decades of his life to education, becoming an anchor of learning, discipline, and moral guidance for students in Bari and surrounding regions. Many of his pupils—now serving in government, public service, and various professions—credit him with laying the foundation of their character and success. His strict yet compassionate approach to teaching made him a beloved figure both inside and outside the classroom.
Beyond academics, Samal’s contributions to society were equally significant. He played a pivotal role in various social reform activities, championing literacy, advocating girls’ education, and supporting underprivileged families during critical times. Deeply spiritual and community-oriented, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Gayatri Temple in his village—a space that has since become a cultural and spiritual cornerstone for the community.
His passing has left a void in Angalo and the entire Bari region. Relatives, villagers, colleagues, and former students gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects, sharing memories of a man whose life embodied service, humility, and unwavering dedication to societal betterment.
Samal is survived by his children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and an extended family of admirers who cherished his guidance. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the values he imparted through a lifetime of service.
Parshuram Samal will be remembered not merely as a teacher, but as a beacon of social hope—an educator, reformer, and community guardian whose influence will continue to shape the region for years to come.
