New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday hailed Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, a renowned freedom fighter and Odisha’s first Chief Minister in independent India, on his 125th birth anniversary and called him as “a living statesman of Odia Asmita (Odia pride).”

On the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, the Union Ministry of Culture today organized a special commemoration programme at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. 

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the event and lauded Dr. Mahtab for his significant contributions as a freedom fighter and the architect of modern Odisha.

Union Education Minister Pradhan, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab’s son and Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab and other eminent personalities graced the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Pradhan said “Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab was not only a freedom fighter but also a great social reformer, famous politician, orator, poet, novelist, renowned historian and journalist. He is a living statesman of Odia Asmita (Odia pride).”

Minister Pradhan quoted former US President Abraham Lincoln: “If you want your name to be remembered after your death, either do something worth writing or write something worth reading.” He emphasized that Dr. Mahtab accomplished both, leaving an indelible mark on history. The Minister proudly called Dr. Mahtab as a true statesman and a source of pride for Odisha.

Pradhan also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and his Cabinet colleague Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for organizing such an important event to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Mahtab and honoring Odisha in this way.

Notably, the Government of India has taken a decision to hold year-long celebrations to mark 125th anniversary of Dr. Mahtab. The year-long nationwide commemoration will highlight and celebrate the significant contributions of Dr. Mahtab as a freedom fighter, a prolific writer, a statesman, historian, journalist and the architect of modern Odisha through a series of events, lectures, exhibitions, seminars and more.

Dr. 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.

Dr. 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, Dr. 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, Dr. 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.

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