Four eminent personalities from Odisha to receive prestigious Padma Shri Awards in 2026

Four eminent personalities from Odisha have been selected for the prestigious Padma Shri Awards 2026. Of all the awardees from across the country, four hail from Odisha, bringing national recognition to the State’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.

The awardees are Charan Hembram from 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; noted folk theatre artist Simanchal Patro from Digapahandi in Ganjam district; and Bandha Kala artist Sarat Kumar Patra.

Charan Hembram, a noted Santali litterateur from the Rairangpur region of Mayurbhanj, has devoted more than three decades to the promotion, development and preservation of the Santali language, literature and culture. He has also established several institutions dedicated to enriching the language and has made significant contributions to safeguarding the traditional dance culture of tribal women.

“I am extremely happy about this development. I shared the news with my sons, and they are on cloud nine,” said Charan Hembram.

Renowned writer, linguist and researcher Mahendra Kumar Mishra from western Odisha will be conferred with the Padma Shri for his exceptional work in documenting and preserving tribal folklore and indigenous traditions. A prominent voice of tribal communities across India, Mishra has authored over 30 books in various tribal languages and produced numerous documentaries on tribal life and culture. His translations of works by national and international authors into Odia and tribal languages have also earned wide acclaim.

“For the past 30-40 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,” said Mahendra Kumar Mishra.

Veteran folk theatre guru Simanchal Patro will be honoured for his pivotal role in keeping Odisha’s traditional folk arts alive. From a young age, Patra nurtured a deep passion for folk theatre and went on to achieve 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 to the art form is so profound that he reportedly sold a substantial part of his personal property to sustain and promote it.

"I am so happy. Nobody can take anything from this world, only name and fame will remain," said Simanchal Patro.

Sarat Kumar Patra, a distinguished bandha artist from the Tigiria region of Cuttack district, earned wide recognition for his exceptional craftsmanship by intricately weaving verses from Geeta Govinda dedicated to Lord Jagannath onto bandha sarees.

In a remarkable feat, he successfully inscribed the sacred text on a 52-metre-long bandha saree-an extremely complex and labour-intensive task executed with unwavering dedication. The monumental work took nearly seven years to complete.

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Beyond this, Patra has vividly portrayed several divine plays (leelas) of Lord Jagannath, including the Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu), through the medium of bandha art, further enriching Odisha’s rich handloom and cultural heritage.

“It's a matter of joy. I am watching the news in television along with all my family members. I have inscribed the entire Geeta Govinda in a 52-metre-long bandha saree and it took me seven -long years to complete the task. I have also designed Dashavatara in a saree,” said Sarat Kumar Patra.