List of Padma Shri Awardees from Odisha
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards recognize exceptional contributions in various fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
The Padma Shri is India’s fourth‑highest civilian honour, conferred annually by the Government of India to individuals who have made distinguished contributions in various fields including arts, education, literature, science, public affairs, social work, medicine, and more. Odisha, a state rich in culture, tradition and intellectual heritage, has produced numerous Padma Shri recipients whose work has enriched not only the state but the entire nation.
Padma Shri Awardees from Odisha (2026)
The Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. In 2026, Odisha is proud to have four of its citizens recognized for their excellence in arts, literature, and education. These awardees have not only achieved personal distinction but have also enriched the cultural, educational, and artistic heritage of the state and the nation.
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Name
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Field
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Shri Simanchal Patro
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Art
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Shri Sarat Kumar Patra
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Art
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Shri Mahendra Kumar Mishra
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Literature and Education
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Shri Charan Hembram
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Literature and Education
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Shri Simanchal Patro
Shri Simanchal Patro, a celebrated 99-year-old folk theatre artist from Odisha, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2026 for his remarkable contributions to Art. He is widely recognized for his dedication to preserving the traditional Prahallada Natak (Sakinata folk theatre), a highly intricate performance form. Mastery of this art requires expertise in over 300 songs across more than 35 ragas, a testament to Patro’s lifelong commitment to sustaining Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Shri Sarat Kumar Patra
In the handloom cluster of Maniabandh Nuapatna in Athgarh, Cuttack district, Shri Sarat Kumar Patra has devoted six decades to safeguarding an ancient craft while innovating within it. Born into a traditional weaver family in Tigiria, Patra has painstakingly revived lost dyeing techniques, developing more than 50 shades of natural dyes.
His exquisitely woven fabrics—including sarees, dress materials, dhotis, and scarves in cotton, silk, and bapta (cotton-silk blend)—are highly sought after nationwide. Some of his creations have even reached the sanctum of Lord Jagannath in Puri, where they are used as ceremonial offerings during festivals, reflecting both spiritual and cultural significance.
Shri Mahendra Kumar Mishra
Shri Mahendra Kumar Mishra, a distinguished scholar and author, has been awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for his outstanding contributions to Literature and Education. Throughout his life, Shri Mahendra Kumar Mishra dedicated himself to recording and preserving the voices of Odisha’s tribal communities, meticulously documenting their myths, epics, proverbs, and songs. His extensive research has resulted in the publication of more than 25 books on Odia and tribal folklore, making a lasting contribution to the state’s literary and cultural heritage.
Shri Charan Hembram
Shri Charan Hembram, a prominent Santali author and composer, has been honored with the Padma Shri in 2026 for his outstanding contributions to Literature and Education. Hembram has devoted his life to the development and empowerment of tribal communities, following the guidance of his mentor, the pioneering Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
He has established several schools to promote education and cultural awareness among tribal populations, while working tirelessly to eradicate widespread superstitions through the spread of literacy. As a sentinel of the Santali language and heritage, Hembram has authored five books documenting the culture and traditions of tribal communities. His work has been recognized and felicitated by around 70 organizations across Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Shri Charan Hembram expressed his happiness at the recognition, stating, “The development of tribal communities and the spread of education among tribals are the biggest challenges before me.” His Padma Shri award not only honors his lifelong dedication but also highlights the rich Santali cultural heritage on the national stage.
