The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Inaugurated the 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Utkal Keshari Dr Harekrushna Mahtab in New Delhi today (November 21, 2024).

• In the honour of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, the event will witness the release of a special commemorative stamp and coin.
• Sahitya Akademi, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture has prepared a monograph in Odia, an English translation of Gaan Majlis and a Hindi translation of Gaon Majlis for release during tomorrow’s programme.
• Son of Dr. Hareukrushna Mahtab, Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab was also part of the programme honouring the impact and legacy of the Lion of Odisha.  

About Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab

Harekrushna Mahatab was the leader of the Indian National Congress, a notable figure in the Indian independence movement and the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 to 1950 and again from 1956 to 1961. He was popularly known by the sobriquet "Utkal Keshari". He was born in Agarpara, Odisha on 21 November 1899.

He was the President of Orissa Sahitya Academy and Sangit Natak Academy for a couple of terms.

He wan Sahitya Academy in 1983 for "Gaon Majilis".

He received an honorary Doctorate degree from Andhra University, an honorary D.Litt. from Utkal University and an honorary Doctorate of Law from Sagar University.