Bhubaneswar, Jan 26: Renowned Ikat weaver Sarat Kumar Patra expressed his gratitude to the Union and Odisha governments for nominating him for the Padma Shri award. Patra, a distinguished Bandha Kala artisan from Cuttack’s Tigiria area, praised Lord Jagannath and thanked MP Bhartruhari Mahtab for their support.

Patra’s innovative contributions to handwoven products, including sarees and scarves, have earned him recognition across India, with his 52-meter depiction ofGeeta Govindabeing a standout masterpiece.

In Ganjam, folk theatre expert Simanchal Patro was also awarded the Padma Shri for his exceptional work in preserving Odisha’s traditional Prahlad Natak. Celebrations erupted in Patro's native Bamokei village, where his 50 years of dedication to folk theatre were met with joyous acclaim from villagers and relatives. Both artists' achievements have brought immense pride to Odisha.