Raipur, 21 November 2023
Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Vishwabhushan Harichandan, on the second day of his stay in Odisha, today attended the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. Harkrishna Mahatab, the first Chief Minister of independent Odisha, in Bhubaneswar.
The chief guest of the said function, Mr. Harichandan called for working for the development of the state of Odisha as per the dreams of Dr. Mahtab. He said that Dr. Mahtab’s role in uniting the states was unique and important. Odisha witnessed multifaceted development during his tenure. During his student days, he joined the freedom struggle to see the country free and spread the message of freedom consciousness among the common people.
Shri Harichandan said that inspired by the call of Mahatma Gandhi, many people fought for freedom. Dr. Mahtab published a daily newspaper named Prajapur to create awareness among the people against the British. He further said that apart from his political career, Dr. Mahtab has also done remarkable work in the field of literature, cultural development and conservation, which the people of Odisha will always remember. To enrich Odisha literature and groom new writers in Odisha, he used to publish ‘Jhankar’ literary magazine and organize festivals to bring literary people together. Dr. Mahtab was the pioneer of Orissa for the development of industry, trade and culture. The Governor reminded hundreds of dignitaries dressed in traditional attire from different places at the function, reminding them of the stories of pride, bravery and victory of his predecessors and called upon them to fight injustice like them.
On this occasion, Jatni MLA Suresh Routharai, former MLA Philip Srichandan, committee members and enlightened people were present along with the Governor.
