Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, fondly known as the ‘Utkala Keshari’ (Lion of Odisha), remains one of the most influential figures in Odisha’s history. A visionary leader, freedom fighter, and statesman, Mahatab played a pivotal role in the shaping of Odisha’s political landscape and in the nation’s struggle for independence. His contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of the state even today.
ବିଶିଷ୍ଟ ସ୍ଵାଧୀନତା ସଂଗ୍ରାମୀ, ସ୍ଵତନ୍ତ୍ର ଓଡ଼ିଶା ପ୍ରଦେଶ ଗଠନର ଅନ୍ୟତମ କର୍ଣ୍ଣଧାର ଉତ୍କଳ କେଶରୀ ଡଃ. ହରେକୃଷ୍ଣ ମହତାବଙ୍କ ଜୟନ୍ତୀରେ ମୋର ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଞ୍ଜଳି। ପ୍ରଥମ ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଭାବେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ବିକାଶ ସହ ସାମ୍ବାଦିକତା ଓ ସାହିତ୍ୟ କ୍ଷେତ୍ର ପ୍ରତି ତାଙ୍କର ମହତ୍ଵପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଯୋଗଦାନ ଚିରସ୍ମରଣୀୟ। pic.twitter.com/G6EsUdXzAk
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 21, 2024
Early Life and Role in India’s Freedom Movement
Born on November 21, 1899, in a small village in Odisha, Dr. Mahatab grew up in an environment that sparked his passion for social justice and freedom. A gifted student, his early education and exposure to the growing nationalist movement laid the foundation for his active participation in India’s freedom struggle.
His involvement in the movement began at a young age when he joined Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent protests and became a strong advocate for civil disobedience. He participated in the non-cooperation movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement, leaving a significant mark with his impassioned speeches, writings, and leadership.
Dr. Mahatab was not only a freedom fighter but also a symbol of Odisha’s resilience during the struggle. His intellectual prowess and ability to rally the masses helped bring the national movement to the hearts of the people in Odisha, where he became a beloved leader.
A Visionary Chief Minister of Odisha
After India gained independence, Dr. Mahatab became the first Chief Minister of Odisha in 1946. Under his leadership, Odisha made significant strides in areas such as education, infrastructure, and governance. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the newly formed state became an active participant in India’s overall progress.
One of Dr. Mahatab’s greatest achievements was leading the movement for the formation of Odisha as a separate state in 1936. As Chief Minister, he continued to focus on the upliftment of the people, especially in rural areas. He laid the groundwork for the development of vital institutions, including educational and healthcare systems that have continued to serve the people of Odisha to this day.
Contributions to Journalism and Literature
Beyond his political career, Dr. Mahatab was also a prominent journalist and writer. He played a crucial role in the Odia press, particularly with his involvement in the daily newspaper The Samaja, where he worked as the editor. Through this platform, Dr. Mahatab passionately advocated for social justice, independence, and cultural renaissance in Odisha.
His contributions to Odia literature and language are remarkable, as he used his writings to inspire and mobilize the masses during India’s freedom struggle. His literary works continue to be celebrated in Odisha for their clarity, relevance, and historical significance.
Legacy of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab
Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab’s legacy is one of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the people of Odisha. His leadership, both in the freedom struggle and after independence, helped lay the foundation for the modern state of Odisha. He championed the cause of social and economic development while keeping Odisha’s unique cultural identity intact.
Even after his passing, Dr. Mahatab’s influence is still felt across the state. His contributions to education, governance, and social justice continue to be pillars upon which Odisha stands today. His efforts in making Odisha a key player in India’s progress and his role in securing rights and opportunities for its people are often commemorated by the people of the state.
Conclusion
Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was not just a political leader, but a symbol of Odisha’s resilience, culture, and spirit of freedom. His vision for a strong and prosperous Odisha continues to inspire future generations. Today, as we remember his life and legacy, we honor his role as a freedom fighter, a leader, and a nation-builder who shaped Odisha into the state it is today.
Dr. Mahatab’s contributions remind us that the struggle for justice and progress never ends. His work and his commitment to the people of Odisha will continue to inspire for years to come, as his legacy remains an integral part of the state’s journey toward a brighter future.
Leave a Reply