On the eve of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Union government revealed the recipients of the prestigious Padma Shri Awards for 2026. Four distinguished individuals from Odisha have been honored with this accolade, bringing immense pride to the state. Among them are Santali author Charan Hembram, linguist Mahendra Kumar Mishra, and artists Seemanchal Patro and Sarat Kumar Patra.
Charan Hembram, a native of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, is dedicated to promoting the Santali language and its cultural heritage. He has established educational institutions to enhance tribal cultural education and has been a stalwart in preserving indigenous dance traditions, especially by empowering women. Mahendra Kumar Mishra, a renowned folklorist, has spent his life documenting and conserving the oral traditions of Odisha’s tribal communities. His work has been instrumental in introducing multilingual education in tribal languages.
Seemanchal Patro, from Ganjam district, is a veteran folk theatre actor with over 80 years of experience. Known for his expertise in Prahlad Natak, he has showcased his talent in numerous compositions across Odissi ragas. Sarat Kumar Patra, an Ikat weaver from Cuttack district, is recognized for his innovation in creating natural dye shades and reviving traditional dyeing processes. He has also mentored numerous young weavers from underprivileged backgrounds.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his congratulations to the awardees, emphasizing the pride and honor their achievements bring to the state. He commended their contributions to literature, education, and art, underscoring the significance of their recognition at the national level.
