Prominent Santali author and composer Charan Hembram expressed great joy at being nominated for the Padma Shri award. Hembram, known for his contributions to tribal development, has established schools to promote tribal education and culture while combating superstitions. He has authored five books on tribal culture and heritage, receiving recognition from various organizations in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Union government announced the Padma Shri awardees for 2026, including Hembram, linguist Mahendra Kumar Mishra, and artists Seemanchal Patro and Sarat Kumar Patra from Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the awardees, emphasizing the pride and honor their achievements bring to the state. Hembram, inspired by Santali writer Pandit Raghunath Murmu, has dedicated his life to tribal development, guided by a mission to promote education and culture among tribal communities.
