Padma Shri for 72-year-old Ho language scholar from Jharkhand's Kolhan

RANCHI/JAMSHEDPUR: Janum Singh Soy, a 72-year-old tribal language scholar from Kolhan division of Jharkhand, was on Wednesday named in the list of Padma Shri award recipients for the year 2023.


A statement issued by the Press Information Bureau said Soy was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution towards preservation and promotion of Ho language.

“Soy is a tribal Ho language scholar, working for four decades for its promotion and preservation. He has authored six books on culture and lifestyle of the small Ho tribe,” the statement read. Soy also pioneered Ho as a formal course in language with his work as a part of PG curriculum.

Soy, formerly a professor of Hindi department, was the first head of department of Hindi in Kolhan University in 2009-10.

He retired from Kolhan University in 2013-14. A resident of Ghatshila, Soy was a faculty at the Ghatshila Government College in his initial years of teaching.

Sharing limited information about Soy, Kolhan University spokesperson P K Pani said it is a matter of pride that a former professor of the varsity has received the award.