By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: The Ministry of Culture, on the 125th birth anniversary of Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, organized a special commemoration program, today, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
It was graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of 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. The year-long nationwide commemoration will highlight and celebrate the significant contributions of Dr. Harekrushna 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.
A special exhibition showcasing Dr Mahtab’s life journey by Lalit Kala Akademi was displayed at the venue. The exhibition was created by a group of over 15 artists from Odisha as a tribute to Dr Harekrushna’s legacy, his initial life, contribution to freedom struggle and towards the state of Odisha. The exhibition and the paintings were appreciated by the Hon’ble President for its detailing, vibrancy & creativity. The artists also got an opportunity to interact with the President & click photos. Additionally, a short film was also presented, illuminating the life of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab and offering the audience a deeper insight into his significant contributions and enduring legacy.
Commemorative Releases
On the occasion, the President released a commemorative stamp and coin celebrating Dr. Mahtab’s 125th birth anniversary.
In addition, the following books were released:
Harekrushna Mahtab: A Monograph in Odia by Baishnaba Charan Samal, published by Sahitya Akademi.
Gaon Majlis: English translation by Tarun Kumar Sahu of Dr. Mahtab’s Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Odia essays.
Gaon Majlis: Hindi translation by Sujata Shiven of the same work.
The first copies of these books were presented to the President by the respective ministers.
The President emphasized Dr. Mahtab’s indelible impact on India’s freedom movement and his enduring contributions to literature and governance. She also thanked the Ministry of Culture for their efforts in recognizing the contributions of Odisha’s towering icon and for commencing a year-long celebration of his enduring legacy.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Dr Harekrishna Mahtab was a visionary leader. He knew that only physical development is not enough but cultural awareness is also necessary. She also stated that Dr. Harekrishna Mahtab considered patriotism as the basis of the country’s development.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, in his address, provided a comprehensive overview of Dr. Mahtab’s remarkable life, highlighting his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. He elaborated on how Dr. Mahtab not only championed the cause of freedom but also dedicated himself to the socio-economic development of Odisha.
Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi also addressed the audience and highlighted the immense contributions of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab. He noted that today’s Odisha reflects Dr. Mahtab’s significant efforts, including his role alongside Sardar Patel in uniting the 26 provinces of the state. The Chief Minister emphasized Dr. Mahtab’s impact on the Odia language and literature, affirming that his legacy will endure. 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 in his address expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for organizing such an important event and honoring Odisha in this way. He quoted 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 declared Dr. Mahtab as a true statesman and a source of pride for Odisha.
The 125th birth anniversary celebration of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab was a poignant reminder of his extraordinary life dedicated to the nation’s progress. Through the exhibition, cultural performances, and commemorative releases, the event paid a fitting homage to one of India’s foremost freedom fighters and literary icons.
About Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab:
Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, also known as “Utkal Keshari,” was born on 21 November 1899, in Agarpara, Odisha. He was a multifaceted leader in Indian history, known as a freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, social reformer, and journalist. He was deeply influenced by figures like Swami Vivekananda, Ramkrishna Paramhansa and Mahatma Gandhi. His political career began during his college years when he joined the freedom movement, participating actively in events such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt Satyagraha etc. He was arrested multiple times for his activism and was instrumental in the integration of Odisha into the Union of India.
Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab was the last Prime Minister of the princely state. Later as Chief Minister in independent India, he focused on Odisha’s industrialization and advocated for the state’s economic development. Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab was also a significant literary figure, writing extensively in both Odia and English and winning accolades for his work, including the historical account ‘History of Orissa’ and won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for ‘Gaon Majlis’. He also served as the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry and was elected to the Lok Sabha unopposed in 1962.
