Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: The Centre will celebrate 125th birth anniversary of Harekrushna Mahatab across the country, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Tuesday.
"The Government of India has decided to organize the 125th birth anniversary of Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab as a national celebration. This is a great tribute to the legendary nationalist leader of Odisha and a testament to #OdiaAsmita," the Chief Minister wrote on X expressing gratitude to PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for the decision.
Notably, the Odisha government is planning to hold year-long celebrations on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Harekrushna Mahatab, the first Chief Minister of the state.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a meeting with officials to plan the celebrations in presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the State Guest House on Sunday.
Deputy CM KV Singh Deo, BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, state ministers and senior officials were present at the meeting.
Harekrushna Mahatab was born on November 21, 1899 and passed away on January 2, 1987. He is popularly known as "Utkal Keshari".
He was a freedom freedom fighter and is regarded as the architect of the modern state of Odisha.
Mahatab became the first Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 till 1950, and then having another stint as CM from 1956-60.
From November 21 to 23, a three-day celebration will be held in Bhubaneswar. The government is also set to establish a memorial museum and a statue of Mahatab at his birthplace in Agarpada, in Bhadrak district. A biographical film is also going to be produced on him.
Moreover, various essay and oratory competitions will be organized for students. Also focusing on children's literature, multiple works on his life will be released for children.
