Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab as the “architect of modern Odisha” during the commemoration of his 125th birth anniversary in Bhubaneswar. Speaking at an event organized by the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, Majhi reflected on Dr. Mahatab’s monumental contributions to the state’s social, political, and economic transformation.
“Modern Odisha cannot be imagined without Dr. Mahatab,” the Chief Minister declared, underscoring his role as a freedom fighter, historian, literary luminary, and political leader. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Mahatab played a critical role in India’s freedom struggle, participating in the Non-Cooperation, Salt Satyagraha, and Quit India movements, enduring imprisonment multiple times between 1921 and 1946.
Majhi highlighted Dr. Mahatab’s leadership as the Prime Minister of Odisha before independence and as its first Chief Minister post-independence. Among his notable achievements were the integration of princely states into the Indian Union, initiating the Hirakud Dam project to address floods and drive industrial growth, and selecting Bhubaneswar as Odisha’s modern capital. “His vision laid the foundation for Odisha’s transformation from a neglected state to a progressive one,” Majhi said.
The event also celebrated Dr. Mahatab’s contributions to institutions like the Odisha State Museum, Nandankanan Zoological Park, and Odisha Sahitya Akademi. To honor his legacy, the Chief Minister announced plans for a biopic, a museum at his birthplace in Bhadrak district, and a statue to commemorate his achievements.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the need to educate future generations about Dr. Mahatab’s enduring contributions, while Minister for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Suryabansi Suraj noted that the year-long birth anniversary celebration elevates his legacy to a national level.
Several books, including Man of Destiny and Mahanayak Mahatab, were released at the event, which also recognized literary figures Shankar Lal Purohit, Nishamani Kar, and Govinda Chandra Chand for their contributions to Odia literature.
The celebrations were inaugurated at the national level by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, with notable leaders such as Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in attendance. Dr. Mahatab’s son, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab, also graced the occasion.
As Odisha prepares to celebrate the centenary of its formation in 2036, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to realizing a prosperous and developed state, inspired by Dr. Mahatab’s ideals. “Dr. Mahatab’s legacy will continue to guide us in building a brighter future for Odisha,” Majhi concluded.