Bhubaneswar: Four distinguished personalities from Odisha have been selected for the Padma Shri 2026, the fourth-highest civilian award of the country. The awardees are Sakhi Nata folk theatre artist Simanchal Patro, educationist and folklorist Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Santhali author Charan Hembram, and noted tie-and-dye artist Sarat Kumar Patra. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the list on the occasion of Republic Day.
Simanchal Patro has been chosen for the Padma Shri in the field of Art. He is a renowned performer of Sakhi Nata folk theatre and began learning the art at a very young age. He is especially known for performing Prahlad Natak, a demanding theatrical form that requires mastery over more than 300 songs composed in over 35 ragas. To support and preserve this traditional art form, Patro even sold a significant part of his personal property.
Mahendra Kumar Mishra will receive the Padma Shri in the field of Literature and Education. A noted educationist, linguist, and folklorist, Mishra has devoted his life to documenting and preserving the oral traditions of Odisha’s tribal communities. He recorded tribal myths, epics, proverbs, and songs, and authored more than 25 books on Odia and tribal folklore. His work played an important role in the introduction of multilingual education in several tribal languages in the state. In recognition of his lifelong service to the promotion of mother languages, he was awarded the UNESCO International Mother Language Award in 2023.
Also read: Full List of 2026 Padma Awards announced; 4 from Odisha to receive Padma Shri
Charan Hembram, a prominent Santhali author, has been selected for the Padma Shri for his contribution to Literature and Education. Widely described as a sentinel of the Santhali language, Hembram has worked for over three decades to promote and strengthen Santhali language and culture. He founded several institutions to make tribal and cultural education accessible and actively encouraged indigenous dance forms, particularly among women, to sustain traditional arts.
Sarat Kumar Patra has been awarded the Padma Shri in the field of Art for his contribution to traditional handloom and tie-and-dye craftsmanship. Born into a traditional weaver family in the Maniabandh Nuapatna Handloom Cluster of Athgarh in Cuttack district, Patra is known for his expertise in natural tie-and-dye techniques. He weaves sarees, dress materials, dhotis, scarves, and other textiles using cotton, silk, and bapta yarn. Fabrics woven by him are offered to Lord Jagannath in Puri during festive occasions. He earlier received the National Award for natural tie-and-dye products in 1993 and the Sant Kabir Award in 2015.
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours in India and are given in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. They recognise distinguished service in fields such as art, literature, education, social work, science, medicine, and public affairs. For 2026, the President of India has approved 131 Padma Awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 112 Padma Shri awards. The awards will be formally conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually held in March or April.
