Nanda Prusty: The 102-Year-Old Teacher Who Defied Age & Inspired a Nation

Meet Nanda Prusty, a man whose dedication to teaching outshines anything you’d find in a textbook. Known affectionately as "Nanda Sir," this 102-year-old educator from Jajpur, Odisha, spent over seven decades imparting knowledge to children and adults, all for free. While most people his age are thinking about winding down, Nanda Sir was still teaching with the same passion he had when he first started. His journey in education didn’t just earn him respect it led to a Padma Shri in 2021, one of India's highest civilian honors.

This is the story of a man whose belief in the power of learning didn’t just shape the lives of his students it changed an entire community. Let’s take a closer look at the incredible life of Nanda Sir, the teacher who refused to retire.

 

                                 

From Tree to Classroom: A Humble Vision Takes Root
Nanda Prusty’s journey as a teacher didn’t begin in a formal classroom, and it certainly didn’t come with the luxuries of modern education. It began in the most humble way possible under a tree. Back in the day, his village of Jajpur had little to no infrastructure for proper schooling. But instead of giving up, Nanda Sir used what he had his knowledge and determination and started teaching children and adults in the open air. The tree became his first “classroom.”

As time went on, he set up a makeshift hut that served as a more permanent space for teaching. With no blackboard or fancy stationery, Nanda Sir kept the focus on the most important thing the knowledge he shared. What’s remarkable is that despite only having studied up to Class 7 himself, he didn’t let that stop him from becoming an exceptional educator. In fact, it gave him a unique understanding of his students’ struggles, which he used to teach with patience and compassion.

His goal wasn’t just to teach he wanted to eradicate illiteracy in his village, and he did it all without charging a single rupee. His school operated from dawn to night, seven days a week, providing free education to anyone who wanted to learn, young or old. This wasn’t just about teaching the basics of reading and writing; it was about offering hope to people who had never had the chance to learn.

The Padma Shri Moment: A Heartwarming Exchange
In November 2021, Nanda Prusty’s decades of selfless service to education were finally recognized when he was awarded the Padma Shri. This wasn’t just a win for him it was a win for all the students whose lives he had touched over the years. But the award ceremony itself wasn’t what made the moment unforgettable. It was the gesture that followed.

After receiving the award from President Ram Nath Kovind, Nanda Sir did something that no one expected he raised his hands to bless the President. The President, in turn, bowed his head in gratitude, offering a Namaste. This simple yet powerful moment of respect and mutual admiration quickly became the highlight of the ceremony, with people across the country praising the heartwarming exchange.

It wasn’t just the Padma Shri that made Nanda Sir famous it was the humility and grace with which he accepted the recognition. The image of this elderly man blessing the head of state resonated with people on a deep emotional level. It was a reminder that true greatness doesn’t come from titles or awards it comes from the goodness in one’s heart and the impact one has on others.

                               

A Legacy That Endures: Inspiring Generations to Learn
Nanda Sir passed away in December 2021, just a month after receiving the Padma Shri. The news of his death was met with an outpouring of tributes from all over the country, including from some of India’s most prominent leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his admiration for Nanda Sir’s lifelong commitment to education, calling him an inspiration for future generations.

But Nanda Sir’s legacy is more than just an award or a series of accolades. His legacy lies in the countless lives he impacted. It’s in the generations of students who grew up under his guidance, many of whom passed on the lessons they learned to their own children. He proved that education isn’t just about textbooks and degrees it’s about connecting with people, understanding their struggles, and helping them unlock their potential.

Nanda Sir’s story is a testament to the power of teaching and the difference one person can make. His work didn’t just change the lives of individuals it helped uplift an entire community. And in a world that often rushes past, he showed us that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is slow down and teach what we know, with love and compassion.

The Power of Passion: Proving Age is Just a Number
What makes Nanda Prusty’s story so inspiring is that he didn’t let age or circumstances define his journey. While most people would think that at 102, Nanda Sir should be putting his feet up and relaxing, he was still teaching, still impacting lives, and still serving his community. His work proves that age really is just a number your passion, drive, and the desire to help others are what truly matter.

Nanda Sir’s life reminds us all that it's never too late to make a difference, and it's never too late to start teaching. Whether you’re 102 or 22, the power to impact lives and inspire others is always within reach. So, the next time you think you’re too old or too young to make a change, just think of Nanda Sir. Because if he can dedicate his life to education without any expectation of fame or recognition, then surely we can all find ways to contribute, no matter our age or stage in life.

At Sukoon Unlimited, we believe in the power of knowledge and community, just like Nanda Sir. Our platform is dedicated to connecting like-minded individuals, especially seniors, and creating spaces where they can continue to learn, grow, and share their wisdom. It's never too late to start something new, whether it’s teaching, learning, or simply connecting with others who inspire you. Join Sukoon Unlimited today because the journey to knowledge and growth has no age limit.