Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra, a renowned educationist, linguist and folklorist from Odisha, was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award on Monday for his outstanding contribution to education, tribal languages and preservation of oral traditions.

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The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the first phase of the Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Dr Mishra, who hails from Kalahandi district, has dedicated more than four decades to preserving endangered tribal languages and integrating indigenous knowledge systems into modern education. Widely recognised for his work in multilingual education, he played a key role in introducing educational programmes in 21 tribal languages in Odisha.

A former official in Odisha’s primary education department, scholar Dr Mishra also worked extensively for Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste education. His innovative teacher training programme ‘Rupantar’ promoted primary education in the mother tongues and strengthened the connection between schools and local communities.

Apart from education, Dr Mishra has made remarkable contributions to documenting tribal oral traditions, folk tales and epics. His notable works include studies on oral traditions in Kalahandi, Saora tales and songs, and tribal epics of Odisha. He has also translated global literary works like Finland’s Kalevala into Odia.

Dr Mishra has received several national and international honours earlier, including the coveted UNESCO International Mother Language Award in 2003, making him the first Indian recipient of the recognition.

A total of 66 personalities received Padma awards in the first phase this year, including 58 Padma Shri, six Padma Bhushan and two Padma Vibhushan honours. Other Padma Shri awardees from Odisha will receive their honours in the next phase of the ceremony.