Centre To Celebrate Utkal Keshari Harekrushna Mahtab’s 125th Birth Anniversary; Odisha CM Thanks PM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday said the Narendra Modi government at the Centre will organise various programmes across the country to mark the 125th birth anniversary of the State's first Chief Minister in independent India, Utkal Keshari Harekrushna Mahtab.

In a post on X, CM Majhi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in this regard.

"The Government of India has decided to organize the 125th birth anniversary of Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab as a national celebration. This is a great tribute to the legendary nationalist leader of Odisha and a testament to #OdiaAsmita." he said.

The Government of India has decided to organize the 125th birth anniversary of Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab as a national celebration. This is a great tribute to the legendary nationalist leader of Odisha and a testament to #OdiaAsmita. My sincere gratitude to Prime…
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) November 5, 2024

On Sunday, CM Majhi held a meeting with officials to plan the celebrations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present at the meeting held at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar.

Deputy CM KV Singh Deo, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, several other Ministers and senior officials were present at the meeting.

Describing Mahtab as a nationalist, the chief minister said various programs will be held across Odisha to commemorate his 125th birth anniversary.

Harekrushna Mahatab was born on November 21, 1899 and passed away on January 2, 1987. He popularly known as "Utkal Keshari" was a freedom fighter and is regarded as the architect of the modern state of Odisha, being instrumental in the integration of the Odia-speaking princely states.

Mahatab became the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 till 1950, and then having another stint as CM from 1956-60.

At Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s invitation, Mahatab joined the central government as Minister for industry and supply in May 1950.

He also served as the Governor of Bombay in 1955-56.

As a prolific writer, Mahatab wrote multiple works during his various prison stints like the novel ‘Nutan Dharma’, drama ‘Swarajya Sadhana’ and historical account ‘History of Orissa’. He also set-up the Oriya daily ‘Prajatantra’, which remains in circulation even today.