Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of noted social activist and padma shree D Prakash Rao in Cuttack in Odisha today. <br />''<br />''In a tweet, the Prime Minister has said that he rightly saw education as a vital means to empowerment. Recalling his meeting with D. Prakash Rao in Cuttack a few years ago, the Prime Minister said his outstanding work will continue motivating the people. <br />''<br />''Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in his condolence message said that he worked for the development of the downtrodden. A number of dignitaries including the governor of Odisha Professor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister of State Pratap Chandra Sarangi have expressed grief over the sad demise of the social activist.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">AIR Correspondent reports, D. Prakash Rao passed away this afternoon while undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He was 63. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2019 by the government of India for his contribution towards boosting the value of education among slum children and orphans. Despite having only a modest tea stall in Cuttack, he ran a small school to provide education to slum kids free of cost. He was also an avid blood donor having donated blood to the needy many times over during his entire life.</span>