Shyama Charan Pati. A Telegraph picture

Ranchi, Jan. 29: The Centre?s decision to confer the Padma Shri on Chhau exponent Pandit Shyama Charan Pati has come as an embarrassment for the state government.

Pati?s name figured on the list of recipients declared on the eve of Republic Day, but what has left the government red-faced is that the decision was made by New Delhi.

The state government, which had recommended names of six persons, including Guru Kedar Nath Sahu, for 2004-05, did not send any name for this year?s honour to the Centre.

State culture secretary Nagendra Nath Sinha confirmed that Pati?s name was not included in the list recommended by the government in 2004. He, however, refused to speak much on the issue.

Seraikela deputy commissioner Nagendra Prasad Singh said he, too, had not sent Pati?s name to the department for consideration of the honour even Pati hails from Icha village of the district.

However, local Chhau artistes, instead of welcoming the prestigious recognition of the dance form, seem to be agitated and ?hurt?.

Rajat Patnaik, president of the Seraikela Chhau Artiste Association, told The Telegraph: ?Pati lives in Rourkela in Orissa, but he has been given the award from Jharkhand quota. Second, there are many artistes in Seraikela who are much senior and devoted to the dance form, who should have been considered for the award.?

The association has decided to to send a memorandum to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, chief minister Arjun Munda and ministers and secretaries of the culture department in both the Centre as well as in the state.

Pati could not be reached for comment but culture department sources said he deserved the honour bestowed on him.