Writer, educator, researcher, cultural activist
Charan Hembram is an Indian Santali writer, educator and tribal cultural activist from Odisha, India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 in the field of Literature and Education for his contribution to the development and promotion of the Santali language and the preservation of indigenous cultural traditions.[1]
Early life
Hembram hails from Nuagaon in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.[2] He belongs to the Santali community and grew up in a socio-cultural environment shaped by indigenous traditions and oral heritage.
Career
Hembram has worked for more than three decades as a researcher, educator and writer dedicated to the advancement of the Santali language and tribal education.[3] He has been associated with initiatives aimed at strengthening tribal identity through language development and cultural preservation.
Hembram has established several institutions to make education accessible to tribal children, particularly in rural areas of Odisha.[4] His contributions were recognised with the conferment of the Padma Shri in 2026.[5]
References
- ↑ Odisha: Santali author Charan Hembram expresses joy at Padma Shri nomination(26 January 2026).
- ↑ Four 'unsung heroes' from Odisha chosen for Padma Shri award(26 January 2026).
- ↑ Odisha's Padma winners: Linguist, Santali writer, artiste & master weaver(26 January 2026).
- ↑ Happy that govt recognised my work for promotion of Santali language: Charan Hembram(25 January 2026).
- ↑ Celebrated Odia Personalities Honored with Padma Shri 2026(25 January 2026).
Template:Padma Shri Award Recipients in Literature & Education