In a moment of immense pride for Odisha, three extraordinary personalities from the state have been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri — India’s fourth-highest civilian honour —by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
From championing the Santali language and education to creating breathtaking Ikat masterpieces and preserving the vibrant legacy of Prahallad Natak folk theatre, these cultural stalwarts have dedicated their lives to enriching Odisha’s heritage. Their stories are not just of personal achievement but of selfless service to language, art, and tradition.
Charan Hembram: The Torchbearer of Santali Language & Culture
Born on 9 February 1952 in Nungan village, Mayurbhanj district, Shri Charan Hembram has been a transformative force in Santali (Ol Chiki) education and cultural revival. As Secretary of the Board of Santali Education, Odisha (ASECA) from 1992 to 2004, he spearheaded landmark developments — including the posting of 30 Ol Chiki teachers by the state government, the establishment of a staggering 1,973 Ol Itun Asras across Odisha, and the strengthening of institutional infrastructure.
A prolific writer, composer, and cultural organiser, he authored books such as Sereng Sandhayani, Bhanj Mili, and Sirij Renang Sari Partal, founded Ol Itun Asras and opera groups, and composed songs that continue to inspire the Santali community. His tireless efforts earned him prestigious honours, including the Guru Gomkey Pandit Raghunath Murmu Fellowship (2004) and titles like Santali Sanskritik Guru and Chiki Hulgaria. Today, his legacy stands as a powerful symbol of linguistic pride and educational empowerment for Adivasi communities.
Sarat Kumar Patra: The Ikat Weaving Maestro
Hailing from the historic weaving village of Nuapatana in Cuttack district, Shri Sarat Kumar Patra (born 5 June 1965) is a living legend of Ikat craftsmanship. With no formal education but boundless passion inherited from his father, he has elevated handloom art to extraordinary heights.
His monumental creations include the spectacular 8’×8′ “Dash-Avatar” Ikat wall hanging (now in the Calico Museum, Ahmedabad), the awe-inspiring 52-metre-long Gitagobinda Pata woven entirely with natural dyes over seven years, and intricate panels depicting Radha-Krishna and “Kandarpadala Rath”. He has developed nearly 50 natural dye shades, preserved 200-year-old Ikat samples, trained generations of weavers, and represented India at international platforms in London, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
His masterpieces have earned him the National Award (1993) and the Sant Kabir Award (2015). Shri Patra’s work beautifully blends spirituality, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence.
Simanchal Patra: The “Vishma Pitamaha” of Prahallad Natak
At 98 years of age, Shri Simanchal Patra remains an indomitable force in Odisha’s folk theatre world. Revered as the “Vishma Pitamaha” of Prahallad Natak — the spectacular masked folk theatre that dramatises stories from the Mahabharata through dance, music, dialogue, and elaborate costumes — he has devoted over nine decades to this living art form.
From learning Sakhi Nata at age seven and mastering the lead role of Prahalad and demon king Hiranyakashyap under legendary gurus, to establishing numerous Akhadas and training hundreds of young artists even today, Shri Patra has ensured the survival and growth of this unique cultural treasure. His contributions have been recognised with the Kendriya Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1990), Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy Samman (1997), and the Sri Guru Gangadhar Memorial Award (2024).
These three Padma Shri awardees beautifully represent the diverse facets of Odisha’s soul — its languages, crafts, and performing arts. Their journeys inspire a new generation to cherish and carry forward the state’s rich cultural legacy with pride.
