Bhubaneswar, June 23 -- Three distinguished personalities from Odisha have been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to literature, education and the arts by President Droupadi Murmu in a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Renowned litterateur and educationist Charan Hembram from Mayurbhanj has been conferred with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to Santali language and literature. His work has played a vital role in promoting indigenous literature and preserving cultural heritage.

He has devoted more than three decades to the promotion, development and preservation of the Santali language, literature and culture. He has also establis...