Bhubaneswar: The central government has decided to organize the 125th birth anniversary of ‘Utkal Keshari Harekrushna Mahatab’ as a national festival, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed on Tuesday.
This is a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter and Odia Asmita of Odisha. The Chief Minister said that he is grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. On the other hand, the Odisha government has decided to celebrate the birth anniversary throughout the year.
A three-day program will be held in Bhubaneswar from November 21 to 23 to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab and additional programs will be planned in his honour throughout the year.
The decision was announced after a meeting held on Sunday by a high-level committee constituted by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture at the State Guest House. A proposal was also made to make a biopic on him which would be screened in schools and colleges.
The meeting also announced that a memorial museum would be established at his birthplace in Agarpada, Bhadrak district, with his statue, and the place would be developed as a tourist destination. A national conference to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Mahatab is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 23 to 25.
