Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to Mandodari Nayak, wife of Raghu Nayak, who was the gardener of Mahatma Gandhi.
Raghu Nayak had overpowered Nathuram Gadse after he shot Gandhi to death at the Birla House on January 30, 1948 in New Delhi.
Patnaik, after being informed about the poor status of Mandodari Nayak after the death of her son, asked the authorities to extend all possible supports to her.
After being invited by the Chief Minister, Mandodari was brought by the Kendrapada district Collector to the State Secretariat where she was felicitated with a shawl and provided the financial assistance. Patnaik also inquired about her problems.
Mandodari is now staying at his daughter’s house after her son’s death. Health and Family Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, Development Commissioner R Balkrishnan and family members of Nayak were present during the felicitation event.