Padma Shri Awardee Charan Hembram: Champion of Santali Language Preservation

Charan Hembram, recently announced as a Padma Shri recipient, has dedicated over three decades to preserving the Santali language that he says "was once close to being lost."

Born in 1952 in Mayurbhanj district's Nuagaon village, Hembram began his journey as an educator after completing teacher training in the early 1970s. His pivotal moment came in 1992 when he initiated teaching children in their Santali mother tongue and advocated for this approach to departmental officials.

Through his persistent efforts, arrangements were eventually made to teach Santali across Odisha, helping to preserve this tribal language. Hembram believes that developing the language will help "eradicate superstition" among community members.

As the general secretary of the Adivasi Socio-Educational and Cultural Association (ASECA), Hembram continues his work promoting tribal language and culture. He expressed happiness about receiving the prestigious award from President Droupadi Murmu.