Odisha Plans Year-Long Celebrations For 'Utkal Keshari' Harekrushna Mahatab, State's First CM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: The Odisha government is planning to hold year-long celebrations for the 125th birth anniversary of Harekrushna Mahatab, the first Chief Minister of Odisha.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a meeting Sunday 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, BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, state ministers and senior officials were present at the meeting.

Harekrushna Mahatab was born on November 21, 1899 and passed away on January 2, 1987. He popularly known as "Utkal Keshari" was a freedom 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 first Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 till 1950, and then having another stint as CM from 1956-60.

Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the various programs planned to honour the legacy of Mahatab.

From November 21 to 23, a three-day celebration will be held in Bhubaneswar.

The government is also set to establish a memorial museum and a statue of Mahatab at his birthplace in Agarpada, in Bhadrak district. A biographical film is also going to be produced on him.

"From November 21 to 23, a grand three-day celebration will be held in Bhubaneswar, which will be the centerpiece of year-long tributes. As a lasting homage, the government will establish a memorial museum and a statue at his birthplace, Agarpada, in Bhadrak district. Additionally, a biographical film will be produced to illuminate Dr. Mahatab's life and ideals for the younger generations and will be screened in schools, colleges, and universities," read a post by KV Singh Deo.

The government is also going to dedicate a gallery within the state museum to showcase his works and contribution for Odisha.

Moreover, various essay and oratory competitions will be organised for students. Also focusing on children's literature, multiple works on his life will be released for children.

"To encourage intellectual engagement, special academic chairs will be instituted at several universities, alongside essay and oratory competitions for students. Children's literature focusing on his life will also be released, fostering an early appreciation for his ideals," the post added.

(ANI)