On the eve of Republic Day, the Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026, India’s prestigious civilian honours recognising exceptional service in various fields. Among the 131 awardees announced this year, several distinguished personalities from Odisha have been selected for the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award.
Odisha’s Padma Shri Awardees 2026
Odisha has reason to celebrate as the following personalities from the state are honoured for their outstanding contributions:
Charan Hembram – Padma Shri (Literature & Education) — Celebrated Santhali author known for his work in tribal literature and cultural education.
Mahendra Kumar Mishra – Padma Shri (Literature & Education) — Eminent educationist and folklorist recognised for documenting and preserving Odisha’s tribal oral traditions.
Sarat Kumar Patra – Padma Shri (Art) — Renowned artist contributing to Odisha’s vibrant artistic heritage.
Simanchal Patro – Padma Shri (Art) — Veteran Sakhi Nata folk theatre artist honoured for lifelong dedication to traditional theatre.
These awardees represent Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, literary excellence and folk traditions, continuing the state’s strong legacy on the national stage.
The awards will be conferred by the President of India later this year at an official investiture ceremony.
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