Odisha news today, Latest Oriya News Bhubaneswar Online Odia news Portal
Bhubaneswar: 17/4/25:“How long a person lives is not important, but how they live and what they do in that time is what truly matters. This is the lesson we learn from the life of Harekrushna Mahatab,” said Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, while speaking at the national conference held at Ravenshaw University on Thursday to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of Harekrushna Mahatab .
According to an official press release, Gadkari stated that Mahatab proved that the combination of self-confidence and knowledge is essential for the development of education in Odisha. Be it the construction of Hirakud Dam or the establishment of Bhubaneswar as Odisha’s capital, history will always remember his contributions. Gadkari noted that even while imprisoned in Ahmednagar Jail in Maharashtra during the freedom movement, Mahatab dreamt of a new dawn for Odisha.
He further emphasized that development requires collective effort, not just individual endeavors. He said that to fulfill people’s needs, a strong willpower is essential. “If there is a will, the path will emerge. Our country lacks neither financial resources nor intellectual capital—what is needed for any project’s success is willpower,” he said. According to him, water, power, transport, and communication are the four fundamental pillars through which Odisha can progress. Finding the “possible” within the “impossible” is true development.
He also mentioned that while many people today are migrating from villages to cities, former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had once entrusted him with the task of building roads to villages. “Today, we aim to build not only smart cities but also smart villages. With strong determination, everything is possible,” he asserted.
Gadkari added that culture shapes individual character, and Mahatab taught this through the power of his pen.
Similarly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described Harekrushna Mahatab as a multi-faceted personality—a great freedom fighter, statesman, diplomat, writer, journalist, and historian. He said Mahatab was truly the architect of modern Odisha. “The Odisha we see today was shaped by his vision,” he added.
After independence, due to the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatab, 26 princely states were merged into Odisha, increasing the state’s area to 155,707 square kilometers. This was made possible by Mahatab’s intellect, knowledge, and dedicated efforts. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to call him the “Sardar Patel of Odisha,” said the Chief Minister, adding that Mahatab will forever remain in the hearts of Odias.
Majhi further stated that Mahatab was a complete institution in himself. Through the ‘Prajatantra’ newspaper, he gave journalism in Odisha a new identity. His three major contributions to Odisha were the merger of princely states, establishing Bhubaneswar as the capital, and building the Hirakud Dam. In addition, he shall be always remembered for institutions like the Odisha State Museum, State Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Mandap, the radio station in Cuttack, High Court, Bidyadharpur Rice Research Center, and the Odisha Public Service Commission.
The state government has launched initiatives to revive the memory of Mahatab. His 125th birth anniversary is being celebrated from November 21, 2024, for a year. A committee has been formed to take several steps to commemorate his contributions. The Central government is also observing his 125th birth anniversary, with President Droupadi Murmu inaugurating a commemorative event in Delhi, the Chief Minister shared.
Several new initiatives were announced in Mahatab’s memory: a Center of Excellence at Utkal University, a memorial and an interpretation center at his birthplace Agarpada, and memorials in Bhubaneswar, Hirakud, and Hadgarh. An Odia Center of Excellence will also be established at Ravenshaw University. A new medical college in Bhadrak will be established and named after him.
During the event, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said Mahatab had many dreams and aspirations for Odisha’s development. “By following his vision, we can build a prosperous Odisha,” he remarked. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj was also present at the program.
Union Minister Gadkari and Chief Minister Majhi inaugurated a photo exhibition showcasing Mahatab’s life and legacy and toured the display. Professor Sanjay Kumar Nayak, Vice Chancellor of Ravenshaw University, delivered the welcome address, and Professor Chandi Prasad Nanda, Director of the Odisha Research Center, proposed the vote of thanks.
