Bhubaneswar, January 25: At least four prominent personalities from Odisha -Sakhi Nata theatre artist Simanchal Patro, educationist Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Santhali author Charan Hembram and noted artist Sarat Kumar Patra – will be conferred with Padma Shri 2026.

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.

Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian awards of the country are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil services.

‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/April every year. For the year 2026, the President has approved conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including five Padma Vibhhushan, 13 Padam Bhushan and 112 Padma Shri Awards,