• President Droupadi Murmu hailed freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Odisha  Harekrushna Mahtab during an event to mark his 125th birth anniversary on November 21. 

• His legacy and literary and journalistic works will continue to inspire people, the President said. A special commemorative stamp and a coin was also released on the occasion.

Who was Harekrushna Mahtab?

• Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, also known as ‘Utkal Keshari’, was born on  November 21, 1899, in Agarpara, in the then Bengal Presidency. 

• Mahtab was a multi-faceted leader who wore many hats — freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, social reformer and journalist.

• He was deeply influenced by eminent figures like Swami Vivekananda, Ramkrishna Paramhansa and Mahatma Gandhi. 

• Harekrushna Mahtab is remembered for his strong will, determination, and influence, earning recognition as one of Odisha’s foremost leaders.

• His political career began during his college years when he joined the freedom movement, participating actively in events such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt Satyagraha, etc. 

• He was arrested multiple times for his activism and was instrumental in the integration of Odisha into the Union of India.

• Mahtab was the last Prime Minister of the princely state. 

• Harekrushna Mahatab was the first Chief Minister of Odisha (then Orissa) in independent India. He served as the Chief Minister of Odisha from April 1946 to May 1950. 

• He served as the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry and was elected to the Lok Sabha unopposed in 1962.

• He was also the Governor of Bombay. 

• On October 19, 1956, Mahatab was again sworn in as the Chief Minister of Odisha. 

• Mahtab was also a significant literary figure, writing extensively in both Odia and English and winning accolades for his work, including the historical account ‘History of Orissa’ and won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for ‘Gaon Majlis’. 

• Mahtab passed away on January 2, 1987 at the age of 87 years.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store