Bhubaneshwar, Odisha , January 27 – Renowned Pattachitra painter Binod Kumar Maharana, hailing from Odisha, has been bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award in the field of art, marking a significant acknowledgment of his contributions to the rich cultural heritage of the state. Expressing his joy and gratitude, Binod Kumar conveyed his appreciation to the Government of India for recognizing the efforts of deserving individuals like him.
In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Binod Kumar shared his elation, saying, “I am very happy that I am getting this award, and I want to thank the Government of India for considering deserving people. We did good work and never thought of getting this award.” The accomplished artist added, “This is security for the artist from society and government; we are happy to see our survivors, and we too are excited to work.”
The Padma Shri awardee’s dedication to preserving and promoting folk art and tradition has left an indelible mark on Odisha’s cultural landscape. His recognition is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the resilience and artistic prowess of the region.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to social media to extend his congratulations to Binod Kumar and other recipients. He stated, “Honour and recognition to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage: Congratulations to Shri Gopinath Swain, Shri Bhagbat Pradhan, Shri Binod Maharana, and Shri Binod Kumar Pasayat on being selected for the prestigious Padma Shri Award for their life-long service to the preservation and promotion of folk art and tradition.”
The Padma Awards, announced by the Home Ministry, include five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awards. Celebrating individuals across various disciplines, the awards span art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
This year’s list of awardees comprises 30 women and features eight individuals from categories such as foreign non-resident Indian (NRI), person of Indian origin (PIO), overseas citizenship of India (OCI), along with nine posthumous recipients.
The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, are a testament to exceptional and distinguished service in the public domain. Acknowledging achievements in fields with a public service element, these awards play a pivotal role in recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals like Binod Kumar Maharana to India’s cultural and artistic legacy.
