Category : Odisha History

Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab

39^th Death Anniversary of Dr Harekrushna Mahatab is observed as Swadhinata Sangram Mahostav

Most major movements and protests in Odisha during Freedom Struggle and changes in post Independence era were either led by him or inspired by his vision and leadership.

On this day, CM of Odisha has introduced “Kutumb Yojana” and installation a life-size statue of Dr Mahatab at central location of Bhubaneswar.

KUTUMB YOJANA –

• The Odisha Government has started Kutumb Yojana2025 to support the families of Freedom Fighters.
• It is a special pension programme for families of freedom fighters  living in Odisha and govt will provide them monthly pension payments to their bank accounts through DBT (direct benefit transfer).
• Apart from this monthly pension of jailed freedom fighters are increased from 10,000 to 20,000 with benefits extended to spouses and unmarried daughters and  while pension of non-jailed freedom fighters have been increased from 9,000 to. 15,000.

Contributions of Harekrushna Mhatab –

1. A prominent leader of Indian National Congress and contributed largely for the cause of Odisha.
2. He took part in Salt Satyagraha, 1930.
3. He became Odisha & Bihar Council Member in 1924.
4. He participated in the movement against Untouchability and opened his ancestral  house for all without discrimination of caste.
5. He was two-time President in Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee.
6. He was the 1^st Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946-50.
7. He played a major role in reunification of Princely states to Odisha and formation if a separate Odisha Province.
8. He also contributed in shifting capital from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar.
9. He also sanctioned for the construction of Multipurpose Project on Hirakud Dam.