Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab’s 125th Birth Anniversary
The Ministry of Culture organized a special commemoration program on the 125th birth anniversary of Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab. The event took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi and was graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, along with other esteemed guests including Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha. This year-long nationwide commemoration aims to highlight and celebrate the significant contributions of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab as a freedom fighter, writer, statesman, historian, journalist, and the architect of modern Odisha. The commemoration will consist of a series of events, lectures, exhibitions, seminars, and more.
A special exhibition showcasing Dr. Mahtab’s life journey was displayed at the venue. The exhibition, created by a group of over 15 artists from Odisha, paid tribute to Dr. Harekrushna’s legacy, his early life, his contribution to the freedom struggle, and his impact on the state of Odisha. The exhibition and the paintings received appreciation from the Hon’ble President for their detailing, vibrancy, and creativity. The artists also had the opportunity to interact with the President and take photos. Additionally, a short film was presented, providing a deeper insight into the life and contributions of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab.
During the event, the President released a commemorative stamp and coin to celebrate Dr. Mahtab’s 125th birth anniversary. In addition, several books were released, including “Harekrushna Mahtab: A Monograph in Odia” by Baishnaba Charan Samal, published by Sahitya Akademi, and English and Hindi translations of Dr. Mahtab’s Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Odia essays titled “Gaon Majlis.”
The President emphasized Dr. Mahtab’s indelible impact on India’s freedom movement, literature, and governance. She thanked the Ministry of Culture for recognizing the contributions of Odisha’s iconic figure and initiating a year-long celebration of his enduring legacy. Speaking on the occasion, the President described Dr. Harekrishna Mahtab as a visionary leader who understood the importance of cultural awareness alongside physical development. She stated that he considered patriotism as the foundation of the country’s progress.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, provided a comprehensive overview of Dr. Mahtab’s remarkable life, highlighting his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and his dedication to the socio-economic development of Odisha. The Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, also addressed the audience and emphasized Dr. Mahtab’s immense contributions to the state, including his role in uniting its provinces and his impact on the Odia language and literature. He announced a year-long celebration for Dr. Mahtab’s 125th birth anniversary, which will include a biopic to inspire the current generation.
The Minister of Education expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for organizing such an important event and honoring Odisha. He quoted Abraham Lincoln, saying that Dr. Mahtab had accomplished something worth writing and had written something worth reading, leaving an indelible mark on history. He proudly declared Dr. Mahtab as a true statesman and a source of pride for Odisha.
The 125th birth anniversary celebration of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab served as a poignant reminder of his extraordinary life dedicated to the nation’s progress. The event, with its exhibition, cultural performances, and commemorative releases, paid a fitting homage to one of India’s foremost freedom fighters and literary icons.
Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, also known as “Utkal Keshari,” was born on November 21, 1899, in Agarpara, Odisha. He was a multifaceted leader in Indian history, known as a freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, social reformer, and journalist. Dr. Mahtab was deeply influenced by figures like Swami Vivekananda, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, and Mahatma Gandhi. He actively participated in events such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt Satyagraha during his college years. He was arrested multiple times for his activism and played a crucial role in the integration of Odisha into the Union of India.
Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab served as the last Prime Minister of the princely state and later became the Chief Minister of Odisha in independent India. He focused on the state’s industrialization and economic development. Dr. Mahtab also made significant contributions to literature, writing extensively in both Odia and English. His historical account titled “History of Orissa” and his work titled “Gaon Majlis” won him accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983. He also served as the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry and was elected to the Lok Sabha unopposed in 1962.
The 125th birth anniversary celebration of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab honored his extraordinary life and his contributions to the nation. It served as a reminder of his immense impact on India’s freedom movement and his enduring legacy as a literary icon and statesman.
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