2nd January 2025: Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, also known as ‘Utkala Kesari,’ was a towering figure in the history of Odisha. Born in 1899, he was a key leader in Odisha’s struggle for independence and later served as the state’s first Chief Minister. His leadership and contributions were pivotal in shaping modern Odisha, particularly in areas like economic development, education, and social justice.
ନବ ଉତ୍କଳର ବିନ୍ଧାଣୀ ‘ଉତ୍କଳ କେଶରୀ’ ଡ଼କ୍ଟର ହରେକୃଷ୍ଣ ମହତାବଙ୍କ ଶ୍ରାଦ୍ଧ ବାର୍ଷିକୀ ଅବସରରେ ଆଜି ବିଧାନସଭା ପରିସରରେ ଥିବା ତାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତିମୂର୍ତ୍ତିରେ ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାସୁମନ ଅର୍ପଣ କଲି । ମହାନ ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରନେତା, ସ୍ବାଧୀନତା ସଂଗ୍ରାମୀ ଭାବେ ଡ଼କ୍ଟର ହରେକୃଷ୍ଣ ମହତାବଙ୍କ ଅବଦାନ ଅତୁଳନୀୟ । ତାଙ୍କ ନେତୃତ୍ୱରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଉତ୍କର୍ଷତା ଓ ଗୌରବ… pic.twitter.com/eGlS6Vz0Y6
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) January 2, 2025
Dr. Mahatab was deeply involved in the freedom movement, playing an active role in the Civil Disobedience Movement and other nationalist activities. His efforts led to his imprisonment several times by the British authorities. Post-independence, he focused on Odisha’s political stability and economic progress. As Chief Minister, he was instrumental in the state’s industrialization, agricultural development, and the promotion of Odia culture and language.
He championed the cause of land reforms and worked tirelessly for the welfare of Odisha’s rural population. Dr. Mahatab’s vision also included the establishment of infrastructure like roads, railways, and power plants, which laid the foundation for Odisha’s growth. His dedication to Odia culture helped preserve and promote the state’s unique identity.
Today, on the anniversary of his death, we remember Dr. Mahatab’s invaluable contributions to Odisha’s development. His legacy continues to inspire the people of Odisha. His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the state’s growth and cultural preservation have earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the people.
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