Bhubaneswar, January 25: Three prominent personalities from Odisha -Sakhi Nata theatre artist Simanchal Patro, educationist Mahendra Kumar Mishra and Santhali author Charan Hembram - will be conferred with Padma Shri 2026, sources said.

According to sources, Santhanli author Charan Hembram will be conferred the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of Literature and Education.

Mahendra Kumar Mishra will be conferred the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of Literature and Education, sources said.

Mishra devoted his life to documenting and preserving the voices of Odisha’s tribal communities. He recorded their myths, epics, proverbs, and songs, and authored more than 25 books on Odia and tribal folklore.

Simanchal Patro will be conferred the Padma Shri 2026 in Art category.

He is a renowned Sakhi Nata folk theatre actor who began learning the art at a young age. Patro has been performing Prahlad Natak, a form requiring mastery of over 300 songs set in more than 35 ragas.

They have been conferred with the fourth highest civilian award for their contributions to art, literature and education.