Sushila Devi, the wife of Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, died in a private hospital here after a brief illness, authorities said Monday. The state’s first lady, who was 75 years old, took her last breath Sunday night, they said.
“With deep sorrow and sorrow in our hearts, we report that the First Lady of the State Smt Sushila Devi passed away last night. Let us pray for the deceased holy soul. Om Shanti!” Said the official Twitter user of the Governor of Odisha. She is survived by her husband, four daughters and three sons.
A constant companion in various activities of the governor, she was religious and had a passion for socio-cultural activities, Raj Bhavan sources said. A large number of dignitaries, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, expressed their deep sorrow at his passing.
Patnaik described her as a very warm and pious person and expressed her deepest condolences to the governor and other members of the grieving family. “May your soul rest in peace,” he said in a message. Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said he was praying to Lord Jagannath to give the governor’s family enough strength.
Among others, BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda, BJP State President Samir Mohanty, and Odisha Pradesh Congressional Committee (OPCC) Chairman Niranjan Patnaik condemned the first lady’s passing. Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan also mourned the passing of Sushila Devi, describing her as a warm and kind person, who was actively involved in various programs for the welfare of the poor and needy.
The governor, his wife, and four other family members had tested positive for COVID-19
earlier this month, the sources added.
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