Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday hailed freedom fighter and former Odisha Chief Minister Harekrushna Mahtab and said he was an inspirational leader whose legacy will continue to inspire people in the future.
In her address at an event held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Mahtab, she also recalled the literary works produced by him even while he was imprisoned during the freedom struggle. Mahtab, popularly known in the state as ‘Utkal Keshari’, was imprisoned for taking part in the Salt Satyagraha launched at the call of Mahatma Gandhi, the president said.
In 1942, during the Quit India movement he was again imprisoned along with other nationalist leaders. At Ahmednagar Fort Jail where he spent a long time, Mahtab and other leaders “turned the jail into a learning centre”, Murmu said. During his incarceration, he wrote many poems, stories and novels and also authored the book ‘Orissa Itihas’, she added.
His legacy and literary and journalistic works will continue to inspire people, the president said. A special commemorative stamp and a coin was also released on the occasion.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also attended the event.
Dharmendra said that it was matter of delight that the Odisha government has taken a decision to hold year-long celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of Mahtab.
Born on November 21, 1899, in Agarpara in the then Bengal Presidency, Mahtab was a multi-faceted leader who wore many hats — freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, social reformer and journalist.
Member of Parliament from Cuttack and son of Hareukrushna Mahtab, Bhartruhari Mahtab also attended the event.
Speaking at the event, CM Mohan Majhi said it is a glorious occasion to commemorate such a towering personality who revolutionised the progress and prosperity of Odisha and has left an indelible mark at the national level too.
Describing Mahtab as a statesman, a visionary, a genius political thinker and a strategist, the CM said the late leader was a mentor to numerous young leaders who later became big names in Odisha politics. Besides his contributions to politics, he inspired a generation of Odia writers and journalists. During his heyday, he was the ultimate guru and guide of aspiring leaders, journalists and writers, he said.
“Today, the Odisha as we see today is a reflection of Dr Mahatab’s immense contributions. He led Odisha during the crucial time of Independence. He was the last Prime Minister of Odisha and the first Chief Minister of Odisha,” Majhi said.
Mahtab’s contribution to development of Odisha was immense and prominent among them are the establishment of Hirakud Dam and the decision to shift the state capital to Bhubaneswar. These were glorious chapters of his eventful life who had the ability to transform stones into milestones, the Chief Minister said.
While Hirakud Dam became the fulcrum of state’s food and power needs, Bhubaneswar has become an epitome of sustainable development among state capitals of India, he added.