In recognition of his contribution to Santali literature, Kalipada Soren of Jhargram is awarded the Padma Shri. He is popularly known as Kherowal Soren. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his play ‘Chetre Chikayena’ in 2006 and the Translation Award from Delhi in 2019.

Kalipada Soren translated the story ‘Anubhav’ written by Divyendu Palit. He created his literature in Alchiki script in Santali language. He has written 31 plays in Santali language, 4 books of poetry, 2 collections of short stories, 1 collection of humorous compositions and 1 book of short stories. He has 5 cassettes of songs composed by himself and 6 radio dramas. At the State level, he has received numerous awards, including the Saradaprasad Kisku Memorial Award.

Kheroyal Soren as he is fondly called, who was awarded the Padma Shri this time, said, “I don’t know if I got it or not. However, in the morning I received a call from Delhi and asked if I was willing to accept the Padma Shri.I was willing to take this award as a writer of Jangalmahal. I was also called from Medinipur and Jhargram Information and Culture Department and asked if I was Kalipada Soren or not.”

Kalipada Soren was born in 1956 in Raghunathpur. He has postgraduate degree in Political Science from Rabindra Bharati University. Among his creations ‘Kherowal Ko Disha Kate’, Bahamani, Thari Dakare Met Dak, Seren Akalare Kherwal are particularly noteworthy. He also edited the quarterly publication of Kherowal Zaher.