A national conference commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, fondly remembered as a towering figure in Odisha’s history, was held at Ravenshaw University. The event, graced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, celebrated Dr. Mahatab’s monumental contributions to Odisha and India.
In his address, Gadkari emphasised that the essence of life lies not in its duration but in its impact, a lesson drawn from Dr. Mahatab’s extraordinary journey. He described Mahatab as a unique blend of confidence and knowledge, whose visionary leadership shaped modern Odisha. From spearheading the Hirakud Dam project to establishing Bhubaneswar as the state capital, Mahatab’s contributions remain etched in history. Gadkari highlighted Mahatab’s dream of a new dawn for Odisha, envisioned during his imprisonment in Ahmednagar jail during the freedom struggle. He stressed that development requires collective effort and strong willpower, stating, “If there is a will, there is always a way.”
Gadkari also underscored the importance of infrastructure in Odisha’s progress, citing water, energy, transport, and communication as key pillars. He reflected on his tenure under former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, where he was tasked with rural road development, and shared his vision for creating not just smart cities but also smart villages.
Chief Minister Majhi hailed Dr. Mahatab as a multifaceted institution—a freedom fighter, statesman, diplomat, litterateur, journalist, and historian. He credited Mahatab with shaping modern Odisha, particularly through the integration of 26 princely states, expanding Odisha’s area to 155,707 square kilometres, alongside Sardar Patel. “Dr. Mahatab is Odisha’s Sardar Patel,” Majhi declared, noting his enduring legacy in initiatives like the Hirakud Dam, Bhubaneswar’s capital status, and institutions such as the Odisha State Museum and the Public Service Commission.
Majhi announced ongoing efforts to revive Mahatab’s legacy, including a year-long celebration of his 125th birth anniversary, which began on November 21, 2024. Plans include establishing a Centre of Excellence at Utkal University, a memorial at Mahatab’s birthplace in Agarpara, and Mahatab memorials in Bhubaneswar, Hirakud, and Hadagarh. Additionally, an Odia Centre of Excellence at Ravenshaw University and a medical college in Bhadrak will be named after him.
The event also featured a photo exhibition on Dr. Mahatab’s life, inaugurated by Gadkari and Majhi. Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab emphasized Mahatab’s aspirations for Odisha’s development, urging the state to build on his farsighted vision. The conference, attended by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, was marked by a warm welcome address by Ravenshaw University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Kumar Nayak and a vote of thanks by Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda, Director of the Odisha Research Centre.
Dr. Mahatab’s legacy continues to inspire Odisha’s journey toward progress, with his contributions serving as a beacon for future generations.
