The 126th State-Level Birth Anniversary of eminent statesman and mass leader Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was celebrated today at Rabindra Mandap, organised by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Minister said that Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab is not just a name for the people of Odisha, but a vision and inspiration for progress. He added that Dr. Mahatab’s ideas continue to guide the State’s development journey.
Exhibition and Felicitation
A special photo exhibition based on Dr. Mahatab’s life was organised by the Department.
Winners of the Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab Memorial Speech Competition were also felicitated by the Chief Minister.
Several books were released during the event, including:
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Mahatab and Prajatantra Editorials
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Mahatab Jayanti Smaraki 2025
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Harekrushna Mahatab
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Mahatab Jayanti Smaraki (Special Edition)
CM Highlights Mahatab’s Role in Modern Odisha
In his address, the Chief Minister said that many iconic institutions and projects—such as the Hirakud Dam, Bhubaneswar Capital City, Rourkela Steel Plant, Utkal University, Odisha High Court, Bidyadharpur Rice Research Center, and Cuttack Radio Station—carry Dr. Mahatab’s transformative touch.
He noted that Dr. Mahatab was a visionary leader and a doer. As the first Chief Minister of Odisha after Independence, Mahatab believed that true freedom meant liberation from hunger, poverty, diseases, and ignorance, and he laid the foundation for planned development in the State.
Government’s Vision Aligned With Mahatab’s Ideals
The Chief Minister further said that Dr. Mahatab’s ideals continue to inspire the government’s mission to create a prosperous and developed Odisha. He highlighted key initiatives such as:
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Universal healthcare through Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana
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Women’s empowerment through the Subhadra Yojana
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Education reforms via the National Education Policy 2020 and the Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme
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Industrial infrastructure strengthened by ₹17 lakh crore investment proposals
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Agricultural prosperity through PM-KISAN, CM-KISAN and Samruddha Krushak Yojana
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Employment generation through 30,000 government jobs and 70,000 private-sector jobs
He also emphasised that Bhubaneswar will emerge as the Technology Hub of Eastern India, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Chief Minister highlighted the approval of the 111 km Capital Region Ring Road, stretching from Tangi (Cuttack) to Rameshwar (Khurda) at an investment of ₹8,300 crore, which will accelerate urban expansion, economic growth and youth opportunities.
Leaders and Scholars Pay Tribute
Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suraj Suryavanshi stated that fulfilling the dream of a Prosperous Odisha and Developed India would be the greatest tribute to Dr. Mahatab.
Ekama MLA Babu Singh praised Dr. Mahatab as a rare personality who mentored five Chief Ministers and enriched Odia literature with influential writings such as Prajatantra and Minabazar.
Renowned writer Dash Benhur said that Dr. Mahatab’s profound knowledge in politics and literature continues to shape Odisha’s identity.
Earlier, Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota, Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, offered the vote of thanks.
