Odisha’s Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra Receives Padma Shri
Bhubaneswar, May 24: President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the prestigious Padma Shri on Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Ganatantra Mandap.
Dr Mishra, a renowned linguist, folklorist, and educationist from Odisha, was honoured for his pioneering work in multilingual education and preservation of tribal oral traditions.
Born in Kalahandi in 1952, Dr Mishra has dedicated his career to empowering tribal communities through mother‑tongue education.
He spearheaded Odisha’s Multilingual Education (MLE) programme across 21 tribal languages between 1996 and 2012, later expanding the model to other states.
His teacher training initiative, Rupantar, continues to strengthen grassroots education.
Dr Mishra has authored landmark works, including Erai Erai (2023), Oral Epics of Kalahandi (2007), and Ramkatha in the Oral Tradition of Odisha (2025).
He also translated Finland’s national epic, Kalevala, into Odia, bridging global folklore traditions.
Internationally recognised, he has advised Nepal’s MLE policy, lectured worldwide, and represented India at UNESCO forums.
His accolades include the UNESCO International Mother Language Award, Kalevala Award, and Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award.
The Padma Shri honour underscores his lifelong mission to integrate India’s tribal heritage into national progress, marking a proud moment for Odisha and the nation.
