BHUBANESWAR: Odisha chief minister Mohan Majhi on Thursday drew parallels between freedom fighters Harekrushna Mahatab and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, highlighting their similar roles in integrating princely states during India’s post-independence period.
Speaking at the national-level celebration of Mahatab’s 125th birth anniversary in New Delhi, CM Majhi said, “Just as Sardar Patel’s genius shaped the integration of princely states with India, Dr. Mahatab was the ‘Sardar Patel of Odisha,’ who ensured the merger of 26 princely states with Odisha.”
The event, graced by President Droupadi Murmu, saw CM Majhi emphasizing Mahatab’s crucial role in Odisha’s development, particularly citing the establishment of the Hirakud Dam and the shifting of the state capital to Bhubaneswar as testimonies to his visionary leadership.
Majhi announced year-long celebrations to commemorate Mahatab’s legacy, including the establishment of memorials, the republication of his works in various languages, and the production of a biopic.
“Dr. Mahatab was the epitome of solidarity and responsive administration through his dedicated service to both Odisha and our nation during the transitional phase of our progress,” the Chief Minister added.
The celebration was attended by several Union ministers, including home minister Amit Shah, culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Mahatab, who served as Odisha’s first chief minister, was also remembered for his contributions to Odia literature and journalism through the establishment of the ‘Prajatantra Prachar Samiti’ and his influential column Gaon Majlis.
Majhi described Mahatab as a statesman, visionary, genius political thinker, and strategist. He was a mentor to numerous young leaders who later became prominent figures in Odisha politics. Beyond his political contributions, Mahatab inspired a generation of Odia writers and journalists. During his prime, he was considered the ultimate guide and mentor for aspiring leaders, journalists, and writers, the Odisha CM added.
After the passing of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Odisha’s foremost patriot and tallest freedom fighter, the baton was passed to Dr. Mahatab, who became the soul of the freedom movement in Odisha, Majhi noted.
Mahatab was nominated to the Congress Working Committee in 1938 by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His strong faith in values often led him to choose a new path when he felt the existing direction was flawed. He was arrested in 1975 for opposing the brutalities and oppressive treatment of the press, public, and leaders during the Emergency. His lifetime association with Congress ended due to the “anti-people” policies of the government led by Indira Gandhi, Majhi remarked.
Majhi stated that, for a long time, the nation focused on recognizing the contributions of only one family, a trend that also affected Odisha. “We now know the contributions of many more national heroes beyond just one family,” he said, adding, “In Odisha too, we are ready to honor all our heroes who made significant contributions to nation-building.”