Bhubaneswar: The 126th state-level birth anniversary of prominent statesman and public figure Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was celebrated today at the local Rabindra Mandap by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the event as the chief guest and highlighted Dr. Mahatab’s contributions to Odisha’s development.
In his speech, Chief Minister Majhi said that Dr. Mahatab is not just a name, but a thought and inspiration for development. He credited Dr. Mahatab for his role in building institutions like Hirakud Dam, Rourkela Steel Plant, Utkal University, and Orissa High Court, among others.
The Chief Minister also released several books, including ‘Mahtab and Prajatantra Sampadakiya’, ‘Mahtab Jayanti Smaraki 2025’, ‘Harekrushna Mahatab’, and ‘Mahtab Jayanti Smaaraki’. He emphasized that Dr. Mahatab’s ideals continue to inspire the government’s efforts to build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India.
Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suraj Suryavansi said that the government’s vision is to build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India, and that this can be achieved by following Dr. Mahatab’s ideals. Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and famous literary figure Dash Benhur also spoke at the event, praising Dr. Mahatab’s contributions to Odia literature and politics.
The event included a photo exhibition based on Dr. Mahatab’s biography, and the Chief Minister awarded the best contestants of the Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab Memorial Speech Competition. Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Secretary Dr. Vijay Ketan Upadhyay delivered the welcome speech, and Odisha Sahitya Academy Secretary Dr. Chandrashekhar Hota gave the vote of thanks.
