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Odisha's Pride: Four Eminent Personalities Honored with Padma Shri 2026

Four distinguished individuals from Odisha have been selected for the Padma Shri award in 2026. They are recognized for their exceptional contributions to literature, folklore, theatre, and traditional weaving. Their work has been pivotal in preserving and promoting Odisha's indigenous tribal culture and art forms. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi celebrated the honor as a moment of immense pride for the state.

Key Points: Odisha's Padma Shri Awardees 2026: Hembram, Mishra, Patro, Patra

  • Santali author Charan Hembram honored
  • Folklorist Mahendra Mishra documented tribal lore
  • Actor Seemanchal Patro has 80-year legacy
  • Weaver Sarat Patra revived natural dyes
  • CM Majhi congratulates awardees
3 min read

Odisha: Four eminent personalities conferred Padma Shri

Four Odisha luminaries—Charan Hembram, Mahendra Mishra, Seemanchal Patro, and Sarat Patra—receive Padma Shri for preserving tribal culture and arts.

"This achievement of yours has given Odisha's art and culture a new identity at the national level. - Mohan Charan Majhi"

Bhubaneswar, Jan 25

On the eve of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Union government on Sunday announced the coveted Padma Awards for 2026. Among the awardees, four eminent personalities from Odisha have been conferred the Padma Shri, marking a moment of great pride for the state.

According to the official notification released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday, prominent Santali author and composer Charan Hembram, eminent linguist and folklorist Mahendra Kumar Mishra, and noted artists Seemanchal Patro and Sarat Kumar Patra will receive the country's fourth-highest civilian award.

As per reports, Hembram, who hails from Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, aims to bring legitimacy to the Santali language and popularise its art and cultural heritage.

He has founded multiple institutions aimed at expanding access to tribal cultural education. For more than three decades, he has championed the preservation of indigenous dance traditions, particularly by empowering women to carry them forward.

Meanwhile, eminent folklorist Mishra has dedicated his life to recording and preserving the voices of Odisha's tribal communities.

He has documented their myths, epics, proverbs, and songs, and has authored around 30 books on Odia and tribal folklore. His work has helped the state government introduce multilingual education in several tribal languages.

Seemanchal Patro of Ganjam district is a celebrated folk theatre actor with over 80 years of experience. He was initiated into the art form at an early age. His performances of Prahlad Natak call for expertise in over 300 compositions across 35 Odissi ragas. Deeply committed to the tradition, he even sold a significant part of his personal property to nurture its growth.

Sarat Kumar Patra of the Tigiria area in Cuttack district is a pioneering Ikat weaver and innovator. He has created more than 50 natural dye shades and revived traditional natural dyeing processes. He has also mentored over a hundred young, underprivileged weavers.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated all the eminent personalities for getting selected for this coveted award.

"The nomination of Charan Hembram and Mahendra Kumar Mishra from Odisha in the field of literature and education, and Sharat Kumar Patra and Seemanchal Patra in the field of art, for the Padma Shri Award for the year 2026 is a matter of immense pride and honour for the entire state. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warm wishes to all of you. This achievement of yours has given Odisha's art and culture a new identity at the national level. I pray to Lord Jagannath for your bright future and continued progress," Majhi wrote on his X handle.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, the real heroes are being acknowledged. Seemanchal Patro selling his property to keep his art alive and Sarat Kumar Patra mentoring young weavers—this is true dedication. These awards mean more than just an honor; they validate a lifetime of silent, selfless work for our culture.
M
Mahendra Kumar Mishra
As a teacher from Bhubaneswar, I'm particularly thrilled about Mahendra Kumar Mishra's award. His work in multilingual education is crucial. When children learn in their mother tongue, especially tribal languages, it preserves culture and improves learning outcomes. A well-deserved Padma Shri.
S
Sarah B
Reading about Sarat Kumar Patra's work with natural dyes is fascinating. In an age of fast fashion and chemical colors, reviving these traditional, sustainable processes is so important. It's a perfect blend of art, heritage, and environmental consciousness. Congratulations to all the awardees!
A
Aman W
While I congratulate the awardees, I hope this recognition translates into tangible support. The government must ensure funds and infrastructure reach these art forms and languages. Awards are great, but sustained institutional support is what will truly keep this heritage alive for future generations.
K
Kavya N
Over 80 years of experience for Seemanchal Patro! 🙏 That's several lifetimes of dedication. Prahlad Natak is a treasure. We need to make sure such performances are recorded and accessible to the youth. Our generation needs to seek out and appreciate these living legends while we still can.

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