Bhubaneswar: Dr Harekrushna Mahatab’s contribution to political and social uplift of Odisha is exceptional, said Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
In the social, political and economic history of Odisha, the life and achievements of Uttara Keshari Dr. Harakrishna Mahatab is an essential chapter. He was the founder of modern Odisha. Modern Odisha cannot be imagined without Dr. Mahatab, Majhi said at a function to mark the 25th birth anniversary of the great leader here.
Attending the program organized under the auspices of the Orissa State Department of Language, Literature & Culture, the Chief Minister further said that Dr. Mahatab is considered as a freedom fighter, politician, literary, journalist, historian, diplomat and popular politician at the same time.
He said from India’s freedom struggle to Odisha’s political and social upliftment, his contributions were immense. Guided by Gandhiji’s ideals, he played a major role in the Non-cooperation Movement, Salt Satyagraha, Quit India Movement in Odisha.
Majhi said that on April 23, 1946, before the independence of the country, he took charge of the governance of Odisha as the Prime Minister and led a neglected backward state to the path of development. He was emphasizing on three programs to lead Odisha. “The first was the creation of a larger Odisha in the amalgamation of Hela Nagari states, the second was the construction of the capital in Bhubaneswar by tying the river dam at Hirakud and controlling the flood in the river and generating electricity to make Odisha prosperous,” Majhi said.
Dr. Mahatab was the last Prime Minister and the first Chief Minister of Odisha. He was a multifaceted self-contained institution in Odisha. Dr. Mahtab’s signature will be found there if you focus on any medical or institution in Odisha, the Chief Minister added.
Majhi said earlier all his achievements were kept away from the public. The Hirakud Dam, establishment of the capital city, construction of Raj Bhavan, Odisha Academy of Literature, Odisha State Museum, State Academy of Fine Arts, Bhanj Kala Mandap, Rabindra Mandap, Cuttack Radio Station, High Court, Nandan Kannan, Vidyadharpur Grain Research Centre, Odisha Public Service Commission are some of the major ones, he added.
“His contributions will make him remembered forever,” the Chief Minister said. The new government has prepared a plan to give due respect to the multi-talented and creator of modern Odisha, the Chief Minister said and added that for the past many years.
