Mohan Charan Majhi: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Nov 5: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday that the central government plans to host a national celebration for the 125th birth anniversary of ‘Utkal Keshari’ Harekrushna Mahatab, who was the first Chief Minister of Odisha in independent India. “This is a great tribute to the legendary nationalist leader of Odisha and a testament to Odia Asmita,” Majhi stated on X, expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
This announcement follows the Odisha government’s recent declaration of a year-long celebration for Mahatab Jayanti. A meeting held by the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department committee revealed plans for several programs honoring Mahatab and his contributions to promoting Odisha and its culture. A biopic on Mahatab, often regarded as the architect of modern Odisha, will be screened in schools, colleges, and universities.
Additionally, a national seminar focusing on his life and contributions is being organized in Bhubaneswar, alongside a three-day state-level event from November 23 to 25 to commemorate the freedom fighter. Plans also include the establishment of a memorial museum at Mahatab’s birthplace, Agarapada in Bhadrak district, where a statue will be installed and the site developed into a tourist destination.
Born on November 21, 1899, Mahatab was a member of India’s first constituent assembly, contributing significantly to the merger of 26 Odia-speaking princely states, known as ‘Gadajats’, into the Odisha province during his tenure as chief minister starting April 23, 1946.
