Odisha: 84-year-old gynecologist gives Rs 30 lakh to alma mater as gurudakshina

Though retired now, the 84-year-old doctor extended her services during the Covid-19 pandemic last year and also visited patients who were in need of treatment in her district.

After completing her MBBS, Dr Panda started working at the district headquarters hospital in Sambalpur in 1963 but eventually, she was transferred to Kalahandi district. She then joined the municipality hospital in Sambalpur town, from where she retired 31 years ago with a small pension. She was the third among 11 siblings and was responsible for the education of her younger siblings, reports the daily.

Dr Panda said she wanted to return the kindness which the university once showed her and her parents also gave importance to education more than anything. "My mother was quite instrumental in our education. Though I did not have much money after my retirement, I made up my mind to give back something that helped me pursue my education. Recently, I got some money from the sale of land and also broke my fixed deposit from which I could arrange Rs 30 lakh," she stated.