Bhubaneswar, June 24 (UDN): Odisha has once again earned national acclaim as three eminent personalities from the state were conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award by President Droupadi Murmu at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The awardees—Santali litterateur and educationist Charan Hembram, veteran Prahallad Natak exponent Simanchal Patra, and master Bandha weaver Sarat Kumar Patra—have been recognised for their extraordinary contributions in the fields of literature, education, folk arts and traditional craftsmanship.
Charan Hembram, hailing from Mayurbhanj district, has dedicated over three decades to the preservation and promotion of the Santali language, literature and culture. A passionate advocate of indigenous knowledge systems, Hembram has played a pivotal role in strengthening Ol Chiki education and establishing institutions devoted to the advancement of Santali language and heritage. His efforts have significantly contributed to safeguarding tribal traditions and empowering future generations.
Ninety-eight-year-old Simanchal Patra of Ganjam district, fondly regarded as the “Vishma Pitamaha” of Prahallad Natak, was honoured for his lifelong commitment to Odisha’s traditional folk theatre. Through his relentless efforts, the centuries-old art form, known for its rich musical traditions encompassing 35 ragas and nearly 300 compositions, continues to thrive. His unparalleled dedication to preserving the cultural legacy of Prahallad Natak has earned him admiration across the country.
Master craftsman Sarat Kumar Patra from Tigiria in Cuttack district received the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to the traditional Bandha weaving tradition. Widely acclaimed for weaving verses from the sacred Geeta Govinda onto handwoven textiles, Patra achieved a remarkable milestone by creating a 52-metre-long Bandha saree inscribed with the revered text. The intricate masterpiece, completed after nearly seven years of painstaking effort, stands as a testament to Odisha’s rich handloom heritage.
The conferment of the Padma Shri on these distinguished personalities is a matter of immense pride for Odisha. Their lifelong dedication and outstanding achievements have not only preserved the state’s rich cultural and literary traditions but have also elevated Odisha’s stature on the national stage.
Their recognition serves as an inspiration for future generations to uphold and promote the state’s diverse and vibrant heritage.
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