Charan Hembram

Santali Writer, Educationist, Cultural Activist, Composer, Promoter of the Ol Chiki Script

Indian Village Nungan, Rairangpur, District Mayurbhanj, Odisha

Quick Info

ProfessionSantali Writer, Educationist, Cultural Activist, Composer, Promoter of the Ol Chiki Script
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth09/02/1952
Age74 years
BirthplaceVillage Nungan, Rairangpur, District Mayurbhanj, Odisha

Latest News about Charan Hembram

24/06/2026

Charan Hembram received the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony recognizing his decades of work for Santali language and literature. Coverage said the honor reflected his role in building Santali education systems and preserving tribal cultural heritage in Odisha.

26/01/2026

Charan Hembram was selected for the Padma Shri 2026 in Literature and Education for his long-standing contribution to Santali language, Ol Chiki promotion, tribal education, and cultural preservation. Reports highlighted his work in founding Santali educational institutions, writing in Santali, and composing songs that strengthened indigenous identity.

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Bio/Wiki

NicknameSentinel of the Santali language

Physical Stats & More

Eye ColourBlack
Hair ColourSalt & Pepper

Educational Qualification(s)

SchoolBoard of Secondary Education, Odisha
Educational QualificationMatriculation (1971)

Personal Life

ReligionHinduism
CasteSantal

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried

Family

Wife/SpouseSurajmani Soren

Career

Awards, Honours, Achievements
  • Best Adivasi Drama Director (1978)
  • Best Music Director (1997)
  • Guru Gourav Award (2002)
  • Senerenj Guru Award (2004)
  • Guru Shree Award (2004)
  • Guru Gomkey Pandit Raghunath Murmu Fellowship (2004)
  • Santali Sanskritik Guru (2006)
  • Santali Music Guru (2009)
  • Bonosokha (2011)
  • Santal Poet (2012)
  • Chiki Hulgaria (2015)
  • Prakruti Bandhu (2017)
  • Padma Shri (2026)

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Charan Hembram grew up in an environment where the Santali language, community traditions, music, dance, and oral storytelling were a part of his daily life.
2. He completed his matriculation in 1971.
3. Received teacher training under the All India Adivasi Socio Educational and Cultural Association (ASECA) in 1977.
4. Became involved with the Santali education movement when tribal children lacked opportunities to learn in their language.
5. Was the Secretary of the Board of Santali Education, Odisha, from 1992 to 2004.
6. During his tenure, the Government of Odisha appointed 30 Ol Chiki teachers in 1992.
7. Formed the Ol Chiki Students’ Union to encourage students' interest in their language and education.
8. Established and affiliated 1,973 Ol Itun Asras across Odisha from 1992 to 2004.
9. Worked for Santali theatre and folk culture, establishing and directing several Santal Akhras and opera groups.
10. Wrote many books in Santali using the Ol Chiki script and composed songs for Santali audio albums.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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