Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the Union Government has announced the formation of a high-level committee to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Utkal Keshari Harekrushna Mahatab, Odisha’s former Chief Minister and a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle. This marks the first time the anniversary will be celebrated at the national level under the BJP-led government in Odisha.
The committee, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, comprises 23 distinguished members, including retired administrators, literary luminaries, and political leaders. According to a notification from the Ministry of Culture, the committee will provide policy direction and guidelines for programs designed to honor Dr. Mahatab’s legacy.
The committee includes notable figures such as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Other prominent members are Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, and literary stalwarts like Dr. Pratibha Ray, Dr. Gourahari Das, and Dr. Rajendra Kishore Panda.
Senior bureaucrats, including Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and Culture Secretary Arunish Chawla, who will serve as the committee’s member-secretary, are also part of the panel. Cultural and historical figures such as Nripendra Mishra, Prof. Kishore Basa, and Council of Economic Advisor member Sanjib Sanyal have been enlisted to contribute their expertise.
Popularly known as the “Lion of Odisha,” Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was a towering figure in India’s political and cultural history. As a freedom fighter, statesman, and literary icon, he played a crucial role in shaping modern Odisha. The national-level commemoration seeks to celebrate his enduring contributions to the country and the state.
Simultaneously, the Odisha government has planned a three-day celebration starting tomorrow at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar, which will feature cultural programs, exhibitions, and discussions on Dr. Mahatab’s life and achievements.
This initiative reflects a collaborative effort to honor Dr. Mahatab’s legacy on both state and national platforms, underscoring his significance in India’s history. The upcoming celebrations promise to bring renewed attention to his contributions and inspire future generations.
