President Murmu to Attend Harekrushna Mahtab’s 125th Anniversary

Why in the news?

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Odisha’s iconic leader Harekrushna Mahtab, with a commemorative stamp, coin, and cultural program to be unveiled.

President Murmu to Attend Harekrushna Mahtab's 125th Anniversary

Key Event Details:

  • President Droupadi Murmu will attend the 125th birth anniversary celebration of former Odisha Chief Minister Harekrushna Mahtab on November 21 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The event will include the release of a commemorative stamp and coin to honour Mahtab’s legacy.
  • Key dignitaries attending include Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan (Education), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Culture and Tourism), Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, and Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP from Cuttack.

Harekrushna Mahtab’s Legacy:

  • Born on November 21, 1899, in Agarpara (Bengal Presidency), Mahtab was a renowned freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, and social reformer.
  • He was deeply influenced by leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, actively participating in movements such as the Non-Cooperation and Salt Satyagraha.
  • Mahtab played a key role in the integration of Odisha into India and was the last Prime Minister of the province of Orissa before it became Odisha post-independence.
  • He served as Odisha’s Chief Minister and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, focusing on the state’s industrialization and economic development.

Program Highlights:

  • Sahitya Akademi will release a monograph in Odia, an English translation of Gaan Majlis, and a Hindi version of Gaon Majlis.
  • An exhibition showcasing Mahtab’s life and the work of Odia artists will be organised.
  • A musical program by Susmita Das will honour Odisha’s rich history and culture.

    Sources Referred:

    PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times