Odisha News / Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Expresses Grief Over Former Odisha MLA Raseswari Panigrahi’s Demise
Key Points
- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan condoles Dr. Raseswari Panigrahi's death.
- Dr Panigrahi was a gynecologist, and served at VIMSAR, Burla.
- She was elected as MLA from Sambalpur in 2014.
- Known for contributions to healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment.
Sambalpur, Feb 16: Union Education Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan on Monday expressed profound grief over the demise of former Sambalpur
MLA and senior gynecologist Dr. Raseswari Panigrahi, who died at her residence
at Shanti Nagar here in Odisha this evening while undergoing treatment. She was
79.
ସମ୍ବଲପୁରର ପୂର୍ବତନ ବିଧାୟିକା, ସମାଜସେବୀ ତଥା ବରିଷ୍ଠ ଚିକିତ୍ସକ ଡାକ୍ତର ରାସେଶ୍ୱରୀ ପାଣିଗ୍ରାହୀଙ୍କ ବିୟୋଗ ଖବର ଶୁଣି ମୁଁ ଦୁଃଖିତ ଓ ମର୍ମାହତ । ଡାକ୍ତର ପାଣିଗ୍ରାହୀ କେବଳ ଜଣେ ଜନପ୍ରତିନିଧି ନଥିଲେ, ବରଂ ଜଣେ ସେବାଭିମୁଖୀ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିତ୍ୱ ଭାବେ ସମ୍ବଲପୁରର ଘରେ ଘରେ ସୁପରିଚିତ ଥିଲେ । ଜଣେ ଦକ୍ଷ ଡାକ୍ତର ଭାବେ ଦୀର୍ଘ ବର୍ଷ ଧରି… pic.twitter.com/2oAOo5jOmT
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 16, 2026
In a heartfelt post on X, Pradhan described Dr. Panigrahi as more than just a legislator, calling her a compassionate personality who was well known in every household of Sambalpur. “She was not only a public representative but also a service-oriented individual. As a skilled doctor, she dedicated decades to serving common people, and as an MLA, she worked tirelessly for the development of the region,” he wrote.
The Union Minister also highlighted Dr. Panigrahi’s contributions in the fields of education and women’s empowerment, noting that her work would remain “ever memorable.” He added that her demise was an “irreparable loss” to Odisha’s political and social spheres, while extending condolences to her bereaved family.
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Dr. Panigrahi, a gynecologist by profession, had served at
Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla,
before entering politics. She was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly
from Sambalpur in 2014 as a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate. During her tenure,
she was known for her focus on healthcare, women’s welfare, and grassroots
development.
Also Read: Former Sambalpur MLA Raseswari Panigrahi Passes Away
Her demise has evoked tributes from across the political spectrum and the medical fraternity. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed grief, describing her as a leader who combined medical expertise with political commitment.
Political leaders, medical professionals, and community members have also paid tribute, recalling her compassionate nature and her efforts to improve healthcare facilities in western Odisha.
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