President Murmu Hails 'Utkal Keshari' Mahtab's Contribution to Freedom Struggle, Literature

New Delhi: President Droupi Murmu on Thursday hailed freedom fighter and former Odisha chief minister Harekrushna Mahtab and said he was an inspirational leer whose legacy will continue to inspire people in future.

In her dress at an event held at Vigyan Bhawan to mark 125th birth anniversary of Mahtab, she also recalled literary works produced by him even while he was imprisoned during freedon struggle.

Mahtab, popularly known in state as 'Utkal Keshari', was imprisoned for taking part in Salt Satyagraha launched at call of Mahatma Gandhi, president said.

In 1942, during Quit India movement he was again imprisoned along with or nationalist leers. At Ahmednagar Fort Jail where he spent a long time, Mahtab and or leers "turned jail into a learning centre", Murmu said.

During his incarceration, he wrote many poems, stories and novels and also authored book 'Orissa Itihas', she ded.

His legacy and literary and journalistic works will continue to inspire people, president said. A special commemorative stamp and a coin was also released on occasion.

Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Prhan, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi were also attended event.

Prhan said that it was matter of delight that Odisha government has taken a decision to hold year-long celebrations to mark 125th anniversary of Mahtab.

Born on November 21, 1899, in Agarpara in n Bengal Presidency, Mahtab was a multi-faceted leer who wore many hats -- freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, social reformer and journalist.

Member of Parliament from Cuttack and son of Hareukrushna Mahtab, Bhartruhari Mahtab also attended event. 

(This story is not edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed)