Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed that the central government is set to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of ‘Utkal Keshari’ Harekrushna Mahatab, the first Chief Minister of Odisha in independent India, with a national event.
Expressing his appreciation on social media, Majhi called it “a great tribute to the legendary nationalist leader of Odisha and a testament to Odia Asmita,” while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for their support.
This announcement follows the Odisha government’s declaration of a year-long celebration for Mahatab Jayanti. The Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department has convened a committee to organize various programs that honor Mahatab’s vision and contributions to the state’s cultural landscape. Among the highlights will be a biopic depicting his life, scheduled for screening in educational institutions across the state.
A national seminar focused on Mahatab’s life and achievements will take place in Bhubaneswar, complemented by a three-day state-level function from November 23 to 25 to honor the freedom fighter. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a memorial museum at Mahatab’s birthplace in Agarapada, Bhadrak district, which will feature a statue of the leader and be developed into a prominent tourist destination.
Harekrushna Mahatab, born on November 21, 1899, was a prominent figure in India’s first Constituent Assembly, serving as one of its 299 members. He took office as Chief Minister on April 23, 1946, and played a crucial role in the merger of 26 Odia-speaking princely states, known as ‘Gadajats’, into the Odisha province, issuing directives to the rulers to facilitate the integration.
Mahatab’s leadership ensured the peaceful takeover of Nilgiri, despite initial resistance from the Maharaja, and he worked closely with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then Union Home Minister, to encourage the integration of princely states. Patel’s decisive intervention during his visit to Cuttack on December 24, 1947, was instrumental in solidifying the merger proposal.
Beyond his political endeavors, Mahatab served as Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s government from May 1950, where he contributed significantly to the establishment of various industries, including Biju Patnaik’s Kalinga Tubes factory. He later held the position of Governor of Bombay from 1955 to 1956 before retiring from active politics in 1977.
The year-long celebrations planned in honor of Harekrushna Mahatab are expected to highlight his remarkable legacy and the lasting impact he had on the development of Odisha and the nation at large.