New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Jun 23: President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday evening, honouring distinguished personalities from across the country. Among the awardees, three eminent figures from Odisha -- Santali writer Charan Hembram, Prahlad Natak guru Simanchal Patra, and Ikat craftsman Sarat Kumar Patra -- were conferred the prestigious Padma Shri for their outstanding contributions to literature, folk theatre, and handloom arts.

Charan Hembram

Odisha’s celebrated Santhali writer and educationist Charan Hembram has played a transformative role in institutionalizing Santali language and literature. As Secretary of the Board of Santali Education under ASECA (O), Rairangpur, between 1992 and 2004, he spearheaded initiatives such as the appointment of Ol Chiki teachers, development of infrastructure, and revival of SEMLED press. His efforts in mobilizing students and participating in national literary seminars have significantly advanced tribal language and culture.

Simanchal Patra

Simanchal Patra, revered as the “Vishma Pitamaha” of Prahlad Natak, has been instrumental in sustaining and popularizing this vibrant folk theatre form. Known for its dramatic narratives, lively music, and elaborate costumes, Prahlad Natak draws from the Mahabharata and remains one of India’s most spectacular traditional art forms. Patra’s lifelong dedication has ensured its continuity and recognition on national platforms.
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Sarat Kumar Patra

Sarat Kumar Patra, an eminent handloom craftsman from Nuapatana village in Cuttack district, is celebrated for his mastery of Ikat weaving. Despite lacking formal education, he learned the craft from his father and went on to create monumental works such as the “Dash-Avatar” Ikat wall hanging and the Konark textile using extra-weft techniques. His innovations with natural dyes, preservation of 200-year-old Ikat samples, and training of younger weavers have contributed immensely to Odisha’s textile heritage and socio-economic development of artisan communities.

Padma Awards 2026
This year, the Union government had announced a total of 131 Padma Awards. These include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.