Jeypore Pays Glorious Tribute to Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab on 125th Birth Anniversary

The 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Odisha’s first Chief Minister and noted freedom fighter, was observed at Vikram Deb University, Jeypore. The event was organized jointly by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Government of Odisha, and the Harekrushna Mahatab Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar.

The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Deba Prasad Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Vikram Dev University. Shri Sudhanshu Sekhar, Chairman of Mahatab Smruti Parishad, Bhubaneswar, attended as the Chief Guest.

Shri Kanhu Charan Maharana, Member of Mahatab Smruti Parishad, Cuttack, and Shri Tara Prasad Behera, Member of Mahatab Smruti Parishad, Jeypore, were the Guests of Honour. Prof. Mishra delivered the welcome address Prof. Deba Prasad Mishra VC VD University remarked that “Harekrushna Mahatab was not just a political leader but a cultural reformer who laid the foundation of modern Odisha.”and Dr. Maheshwar Nayak Registrar VD University said that “his foresight and contributions to education and literature remain guiding lights for the youth of Odisha.” and gave the introductory note.

Several academic sessions were held as part of the programme.The first session on “Contribution of Harekrushna Mahatab to Odisha’s Literature and Culture” was addressed by Shri Harisa Patra and Shri Ajay Nayak.

The second session on “Harekrushna Mahatab’s Role in Odisha’s Freedom Struggle” had Prof. Binod Choudhury, Shri Rajalaxmi Behera, and Shri Maheswar Hota as speakers.

The third session on “Political Ideology and Vision of Harekrushna Mahatab” was addressed by Prof. Ramesh Chandra Mishra, Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Dr. Mohan Chandra Pradhan, and Dr. Rupsankar Sahoo.

The fourth session on “Harekrushna Mahatab’s Relevance in Contemporary Odisha” was presented by scholars from different institutions.

As Resource Persons, senior journalist CH Santakar and Prof. Pardosh Rath, JMC Department, Central University of Odisha, shared their views.

🖊️ CH Santakar, Senior Journalist “CH Santakar, Senior Journalist
“Harekrushna Mahatab was a journalist, statesman and leader who combined vision with action.”He also inspired students through his student-friendly approach, interacting in the local language, which made the session more engaging and relatable. Sharing his experience, he spoke on the importance of developing journalistic consciousness among students. He recalled Dr. Mahatab’s journey from a handwritten newsletter to mainstream media and urged the youth to use social media responsibly to share the Truth and only Truth.

🖊️ Prof. Pardosh Rath, JMC Dept., Central University of Odisha“Dr. Mahatab’s writings and political vision continue to inspire both journalism and public life in Odisha.”

The valedictory session was presided over by Prof. Mishra. The Chief Guest was Dr. Nilakantha Das, former Principal and writer, while the Guest of Honour was Prof. Ramesh Chandra Pati, Principal of Hirakud College. Scholars highlighted Dr. Mahatab’s contributions as a freedom fighter, political leader, historian, and writer.

The two-day programme concluded with tributes to Dr. Mahatab’s enduring legacy as the builder of modern Odisha.