Bhubaneswar: 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”.
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.
