New Delhi - The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awards for the year 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (June 23, 2026).
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Vice President of India, Prime Minister of India and Union Minister for Home Affairs.
Brief profile of the personalities who received the Padma award from Odisha.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Shri Charan Hembram for his immense contribution to the field of Literature and Education. As a Santali (Ol Chiki) educationist and cultural activist, Shri Hembram has made remarkable contributions to the promotion and institutionalization of Santali language, literature, and culture. Shri Hembram founded several Ol Itun Asras, including Biduchandan Ol Itun Asra (Kusumi) and Sido Kanhu Ol Itun Asra (Neuti). He also established and directed Santal Akhras and opera groups.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Shri Sarat Kumar Patra for his remarkable contribution to the field of Art. Shri Patra is known for his contribution to Ikat weaving. He created a monumental "Dash-Avatar" Ikat wall hanging. This unique work depicts all ten incarnations of Lord Keshab arranged in a circular form, along with relevant Slokas from Jayadev's Gitagobinda. His Konark textile, using the extra-weft technique, is another remarkable work. He has trained many weavers and inspired younger generation to pursue Ikat weaving.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Shri Simanchal Patra for his exceptional contribution to the field of Art. In the art world, Shri Patra is known as the ‘Vishma Pitamaha’ of Prahalad Natak, one of the famous folk theatres of India. The Prahalad Natak is known for its lively music, dramatic narratives, and strong characters that narrate stories from the epic Mahabharata. Even at the old age of 98, Shri Patra works for the art form. He has inspired the younger generation to learn Prahalad Natak. Many of his students are now prominent Gurus of Prahalad Natak.
