Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: President Droupadi Murmu released a special commemorative postage stamp to honor Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, fondly known as "Utkal Keshari," on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary. The event took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday.

The ceremony featured President Murmu as the chief guest, with prominent attendees including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab, Dr. Mahatab's son, also graced the event.

Born on November 21, 1899, in Agarpada, Odisha, Dr. Mahatab was a distinguished freedom fighter, historian, writer, and social reformer. Influenced by Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, and Mahatma Gandhi, he actively participated in the freedom movement, including the Non-Cooperation and Salt Satyagraha movements. He endured multiple imprisonments for his role in India's struggle for independence and played a pivotal part in Odisha’s integration into the Indian Union.

A prolific writer, Dr. Mahatab authored several notable works in Odia and English, including History of Odisha. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for his book Gaon Majlis.

The Government of India has formed a high-level committee, chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, to oversee celebrations marking the 125th birth anniversary of Odisha's first Chief Minister and revered freedom fighter.

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