Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: Four persons from Odisha have been nominated for the Padma Shri Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Padma Awards for 2024 on the eve of Republic Day on Thursday.
Four persons from Odisha – Gopinath Swain, Bhagbat Padhan, Binod Maharana, and Binod Kumar Pasayat – will be conferred with Padma Shri in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the field of art.
Gopinath Swain (105) is a renowned Krishna Leela Singer from Ganjam district. He has dedicated his life to preserve and promote the tradition. Hailing from a family of Krishna Leela performers, the centenarian has commenced his musical journey from the young age of five.
85-year old Bhagabat Padhan is an exponent of the Sabda Nrutya folk dance from Bargarh district. He has dedicated over five decades of his life to preserving and popularizing this dance form, which is considered the dance of Mahadev (Lord Shiva).
The awards will be given by the President of India at ceremonial functions which will be held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April.