Charan Hembram is pleased that the government has acknowledged his efforts in promoting the Santali language and has rewarded him with a promotion.

Baripada: In an announcement that has brought great joy and pride to the people of Baripada, seventy-three-year-old Charan Hembram, a veteran of the Santali language and literature, has been nominated for the prestigious Padma Shri award by the government. This recognition is a testament to his tireless efforts and dedication over the last three decades towards promoting and preserving the Santali language and its associated arts. But Hembram is not the only distinguished individual from Odisha to receive this honor. Along with him, three other remarkable personalities have been chosen for the Padma Shri award - eminent educationist Mahendra Kumar Mishra, folk artist Simanchhal Patro, and tie and dye artist Sarat Kumar Patra. The Ministry of Home Affairs made this announcement on Sunday, much to the delight of the state. According to the MHA, Sarat Kumar Patra and Simanchal Patro will be awarded for their contributions in the field of art, while Charan Hembram and Mahendra Kumar Mishra will be recognized for their outstanding work in literature and education, respectively. Expressing his gratitude, Hembram said, "My family and I are overjoyed and humbled by the government's decision to nominate me for the Padma Shri award. It is a validation of my efforts towards promoting the Santali language and its rich cultural heritage." Indeed, Hembram's contributions have been immense. He has worked tirelessly to establish the legitimacy and greater recognition of the Santali language, especially among school students. He has also been instrumental in promoting indigenous Santali dance in classical forms, voluntarily dedicating his time and efforts towards this cause. Mahendra Kumar Mishra, on the other hand, is a distinguished linguist and folklorist from Odisha. He has dedicated his career to documenting and safeguarding the oral traditions of the state's tribal communities. Through his meticulous recordings of their myths, epics, proverbs, and songs, and authoring over 30 books on Odia and tribal folklore, he has played a crucial role in introducing multilingual education in several tribal languages across the state. "I have dedicated the last 30 years of my life to promote the languages, culture, and traditions of the tribal communities in Odisha. My aim has always been to spread awareness and knowledge about these rich and diverse cultures among the educated masses," said Mishra. Sarat Kumar Patra, who hails from a traditional handloom weaver family in the Manibandh Nuapatna Handloom Cluster of Cuttack district, is known for his incredible talent in creating exquisite handloom fabrics. He weaves a wide range of elegant sarees, dress materials, dhotis, and scarves using cotton, silk, and bapta yarn. His fabrics are also used in offering to Lord Jagannath in Puri during festive occasions. Patra's skill and artistry have earned him numerous accolades, including the national award for weaving the portrait of 'Dasha Avatar' in 1993 and the magnificent 'Geet Govinda' on a silk scroll measuring fifty-two meters in length. The Padma Shri awardees from Odisha have received praise and congratulations from prominent figures such as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik. Their immense contributions in their respective fields have brought great honor and recognition to the state. PTI Orissa POST - Odisha's No.1 English Daily