Kamala Pujari, a Padma Shri recipient, was allegedly forced by a social worker to dance inside the hospital.
Cuttack: Kamala Pujari, a Padma Shri recipient, was allegedly forced by a social worker to dance inside the hospital before she was allowed to leave. The indigenous community of the Paraja, who view Kamala Pujari as their icon, has now demanded action against the social worker.
Pujari was seen dancing inside the hospital in videos of the incident that have gone viral. She was spotted dancing with social worker Mamata Behera.
However, it was unable to confirm the video’s authenticity.
I was made to dance even though I never wanted to. I denied it numerous times, but Behera didn’t listen. I became sick and was exhausted, “Pujari said to local Koraput TV channels.
Harish Muduli, president of the tribal community’s association, “Paraja Samaja,” has threatened to march to the streets if the state government does not take action against the social worker.
Pujari was hospitalised at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack with kidney problems. She received the Padma Shri award in 2019 for promoting organic farming and preserving over 100 types of native seeds for various crops, including paddy.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had wished for her quick recovery. The incident occurred prior to her discharge from the hospital on Monday.
Pujari is a member of a significant scheduled tribe, the Paraja group, in Odisha that makes up about 4% of the state’s tribal population.
