New Delhi, June 24: Three distinguished personalities from Odisha were conferred with the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian honours, at the Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The awardees include Charan Hembrom of Mayurbhanj for his contribution to Literature and Education, Guru Simanchal Patra of Ganjam in the field of Art, and renowned dam-craft artisan Sharat Kumar Patra of Tigiria in Cuttack district.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated all the Padma Shri recipients from Odisha and described their achievements as a matter of immense pride for the state. In a social media post, he said their dedication and lifelong contributions have helped showcase Odisha’s rich art, language and cultural heritage on the global stage, further enhancing the state's identity and prestige.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Odisha to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu for recognising grassroots achievers through the “People’s Padma” initiative and honouring their hard work and commitment at the national level.

He further prayed to Lord Jagannath for the good health, well-being and long life of all the award recipients.