The Padma Shri Namesake Clash: A Tale of Two Antaryami Mishras

The Orissa High Court has summoned two individuals named Antaryami Mishra, both claiming to be the 2023 Padma Shri recipient for literature and education. A journalist and a physician, both from Odisha, are contesting the honor, highlighting potential flaws in the award's verification process.

The Orissa High Court has issued notices to two individuals named Antaryami Mishra, who both assert they were awarded the Padma Shri for literature and education in 2023. They have been asked to present their cases in court on February 24.

Antaryami Mishra, a journalist, accepted the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. However, Dr. Antaryami Mishra, a physician, has contested the award, alleging it was mistakenly awarded to his namesake, claiming he authored 29 books in Odia and other languages.

Justice S K Panigrahi noted that despite a stringent verification process, the mix-up over identical names raises questions about the credibility of the government's selection process. Both claimants must appear with all relevant materials to prove their claims. Notices have also been issued to respondents, including the Union of India.

(With inputs from agencies.)