Dr. Shubhra Nanda Honoured with Honorary Doctorate for 35 Years of Dedicated Social and Literary Service

Bhubaneswar,06/01
In a moment of recognition for a lifetime of quiet dedication and grassroots commitment, Dr. Shubhra Nanda, a well-known social worker, literary enthusiast, and cultural activist of Odisha, was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in the field of Literature by the Indian Charity Welfare Foundation, Bhubaneswar, on December 27, 2025. The honour celebrates her more than 35 years of sustained service to society, education, literature, and cultural upliftment.
Dr. Shubhra Nanda’s journey is not one defined by publicity or position, but by consistent, people-centric work carried out across neighbourhoods, institutions, and voluntary platforms in Bhubaneswar and beyond. Her contribution reflects the spirit of selfless service that often remains unseen but forms the backbone of social progress.
A Life Rooted in Service
For over three decades, Dr. Nanda has worked closely with community-based organisations, focusing on social awareness, moral education, literary engagement, and cultural continuity. Her work spans multiple domains, yet remains unified by a single guiding principle: service without expectation.
She has been actively involved with several organisations dedicated to social welfare and cultural enrichment in Odisha. Her presence has been especially significant in initiatives aimed at value-based education, women’s empowerment, and nurturing literary sensibilities among children and youth.
Guru Maa at Sri Satya Sai Seva Kendra
One of the most respected aspects of Dr. Nanda’s work is her role as a “Guru Maa” at the Sri Satya Sai Seva Kendra, Unit–VI, Bhubaneswar. In this role, she has mentored generations of children and young learners, imparting lessons that go beyond textbooks—lessons rooted in truth, discipline, compassion, and service.
Her teaching approach blends storytelling, moral instruction, and cultural values, helping young minds develop ethical clarity and emotional strength in a rapidly changing world. Parents and students alike acknowledge her influence as formative and enduring.

Commitment to BalBikash Education
Dr. Nanda has also been deeply associated with the BalBikash Educational Institution, Unit -IV, Bhubaneswar, where she has contributed to holistic learning models that integrate academics with character-building. Her involvement reflects a belief that education must nurture not only intellect but also conscience.
Through BalBikash, she has supported initiatives that encourage reading habits, creative expression, and respect for India’s literary and cultural heritage—particularly Odia literature.
Literary and Cultural Engagement
Though modest about her achievements, Dr. Shubhra Nanda has long been associated with literary activities, cultural discussions, and community-based reading and discourse circles. She has supported platforms that promote Odia language, literature, and cultural memory, often working behind the scenes to organise events, encourage writers, and sustain literary spaces.
Her work underscores the idea that literature is not confined to books alone, but lives through dialogue, mentorship, and shared cultural experience.
Honorary Doctorate: Recognition of a Life’s Work
The Indian Charity Welfare Foundation, Bhubaneswar, conferred the Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Nanda in recognition of her lifetime contribution to literature, social service, and cultural work. The award ceremony, held in Bhubaneswar on December 27, 2025, acknowledged her role as a social educator, cultural guide, and literary motivator. The Foundation noted that her work exemplifies the true spirit of honorary recognition—honouring those whose impact is measured not in titles, but in lives touched.
A Quiet Inspiration In an age where recognition often follows visibility, Dr. Shubhra Nanda’s journey stands as a reminder that true service does not seek the spotlight. Her life’s work has been shaped by consistency, humility, and an unwavering belief in human values. Colleagues, students, and fellow social workers describe her as a gentle yet firm presence—someone who leads by example and believes deeply in the transformative power of education and culture.
Looking Ahead Even after receiving this prestigious recognition, Dr. Nanda remains committed to her ongoing work. Those close to her say the Honorary Doctorate is not a culmination, but a milestone in a continuing journey of service. As Odisha reflects on individuals who quietly shape its social and cultural fabric, Dr. Shubhra Nanda’s story stands as an enduring example—of dedication without noise, service without reward, and learning as a lifelong mission.

— The Common Times