Bhubaneswar, 26 January (H.S.): Four distinguished personalities from Odisha have been selected for the prestigious Padma Shri Awards 2026, bringing national recognition to the State’s rich cultural, literary and artistic legacy.
The awardees include Charan Hembram of Mayurbhanj for his outstanding contribution to Santali language and literature; Mahendra Kumar Mishra for his lifelong work in the preservation and promotion of tribal folklore and culture; renowned folk theatre exponent Simanchal Patro of Digapahandi in Ganjam district; and eminent Bandha Kala artist Sarat Kumar Patra.
Charan Hembram, a noted Santali litterateur from the Rairangpur region of Mayurbhanj, has devoted over three decades to the promotion, development and preservation of the Santali language, literature and culture. He has established several institutions to enrich the language and has played a significant role in safeguarding the traditional dance forms of tribal women.
Expressing happiness over the honour, Hembram said, “I am extremely happy about this development. I shared the news with my sons, and they are on cloud nine.”
Veteran folk theatre guru Simanchal Patro has been selected for his pivotal role in preserving Odisha’s traditional folk arts. Nurturing a passion for folk theatre from a young age, Patro achieved national recognition for the classical folk theatre form Prahlad Natak. Featuring 35 ragas and nearly 300 musical compositions, the centuries-old tradition has survived largely due to his tireless efforts. His dedication is such that he reportedly sold a significant portion of his personal property to sustain and promote the art form.
Renowned writer, linguist and researcher Mahendra Kumar Mishra from western Odisha will be conferred the Padma Shri for his exceptional efforts in documenting and preserving tribal folklore and indigenous traditions. A prominent voice of tribal communities across the country, Mishra has authored over 30 books in various tribal languages and produced several documentaries on tribal life and culture. His translations of works by national and international authors into Odia and tribal languages have also earned widespread acclaim.
“For the last 30 to 40 years, I have documented the knowledge, culture and traditions of tribal communities—voices that often remain unheard—and presented them through books for the awareness of the educated masses,” Mishra said.
Eminent Bandha Kala artist Sarat Kumar Patra has been honoured for his extraordinary contribution to Odisha’s handloom heritage. He has vividly portrayed several divine episodes, including the Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu), through bandha art. Patra also inscribed the entire Geeta Govinda on a 52-metre-long bandha saree, a project that took seven years to complete.
“It is a moment of immense joy. I am watching the news on television with my family members,” Patra said.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
