Bhubaneswar: The 125th birth anniversary of prominent statesman and public hero Utkal Keshari Dr Harekrushna Mahatab will be celebrated throughout the year. On the occasion of Dr Mahatab’s 125th birth anniversary, a three-day function will be held in Bhubaneswar from November 21 to 23 and various programmes will be organised to commemorate the memory of Dr Mahatab for the next one year.
Dr Mahatab was a nationalist leader and, hence, his year-long jubilee celebrations will be marked by various programmes to spread the spirit of Odia asmita. Along with this, there is a proposal to make a biopic on Dr Mahatab and screen it in schools and colleges.
A decision in this regard was taken on Sunday at the meeting of a high-level committee formed by the Department of Oriya Language, Literature and Culture to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr Mahatab at the state guest house.
Dr Harekrishna Mahatab was born on November 21, 1899, and he passed away on January 2, 1987.
The meeting informed that a memorial museum will be established at Dr Mahatab’s birthplace at Agarpada in Bhadrak district, his statue will be installed there and the place will be developed as a tourist attraction. A national conference on the achievements of Dr Mahtab will be held in Bhubaneswar on November 23, 24 and 25.
Participating in the discussion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that Dr Mahatab was a nationalist leader. So regardless of the party issues, his birth anniversary will be celebrated in a grand and effective way for a whole year. He said that Odisha will complete 100 years in 2036 and Dr. Mahtab’s name will be engraved in a golden seal among the eminent personalities who have contributed the most to build a prosperous Odisha.
The Chief Minister said that several sub-committees of will hold meetings to decide on the year-long programmes to be organised in different parts of the state. Those who are doing research on Dr Mahatab will be given more opportunities to bring many untold facts of his life before the public. Many of Dr Mahtab’s books will be republished in Hindi, English as well as other regional languages. Along with this, the Chief Minister said that a book with multiple volumes will be published on Dr Mahatab’s contributions.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Dr Mahatab was the collective expression of Odia people. As Odisha is going to complete 100 years in 2036, there is an opportunity to spread ‘Odia asmita’ during the next ten years. There is a need to discuss Odia asmita based on the biography of a nationalist leader like Dr Mahatab. He said that Odia asmita can be re-established by this.
Cuttack MP Bhartrahari Mahatab said that Dr Mahatab’s life has four distinct aspects. He was a fighter, an administrator, a social reformer and his efforts to create a sense of unity among Odias. He proposed to establish his memorials in Hadgarh and Bhubaneswar. He proposed to include various dramas composed by Dr Mahatab throughout the year.
Apart from this, various books related to his work and achievements and creation of authentic paintings, establishment of special gallery in the State Museum, exhibition of Dr Mahatab’s books, photos and oil paintings on the occasion of his birth anniversary, establishment of chairs in various universities, lectures and essay competitions at university, college and school-level. Discussions were held regarding publication of special articles, organising seminars on Dr Mahtab’s work in Delhi, Calcutta and Mumbai, steps to republish Dr Mahtab’s literary works and many other issues.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Minister for Law, Employment and Unemployment Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister for Health Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister for Sports and Higher Education Suryabanshi Suraj, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh among others attended the meeting.
