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States » EastPosted at: Apr 17 2025 6:08PM


History will always remember Harekrushna Mahatab’s contribution to Odisha: Gadkari

Cuttack, Apr 17 (UNI) History will always remember Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab for the construction of the Hirakud Dam and establishing Bhubaneswar as the capital of Odisha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said.
“It is not important how long a person lives, but how he lives and what he accomplishes during that time. This is what we can learn from the life of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab,” Gadkari said while participating in the 125th birth anniversary national conference of Dr. Mahatab, organized at Ravenshaw University here on Thursday.
By promoting education in Odisha, Dr. Mahatab proved that there is a vital connection between self-confidence and knowledge, the Union Minister added.
Gadkari said that while Dr. Mahatab was in Ahmednagar Jail in Maharashtra during the freedom movement, he dreamed of a new sunrise for Odisha.
Stating that development requires not only individual effort but also collective commitment, he emphasized that a strong will is essential to fulfill human needs. “If there is a will, a way will be found. There is no shortage of money or technology in the country. A strong will is required for the success of every project,” Gadkari stated.
He further said that Odisha's development is possible through four fundamental pillars: water, power, transport, and communication. “Development means finding possibilities amidst the impossible,” he remarked.
Gadkari noted, “Nowadays, everyone is moving from villages to cities. But during Vajpayee ji’s leadership, he entrusted me with the responsibility of building roads to connect villages. Today, we are not only working toward smart cities but also smart villages,” he said, adding that with a strong will, everything is possible.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was a great freedom fighter, statesman, diplomat, literary figure, publicist, historian, and the architect of modern Odisha.
Majhi highlighted that after independence, 26 princely states merged into Odisha due to the efforts of Sardar Patel and Dr. Mahatab, increasing the state's area to 1,55,707 square kilometers. This success was the result of Dr. Mahatab’s intelligence, knowledge, and dedication.
“It would not be an exaggeration to call him the Sardar Patel of Odisha. Dr. Mahatab remains immortal in the hearts of the people of Odisha,” the Chief Minister said.
He further noted that Mahatab revolutionized journalism in Odisha. His three most significant contributions were the merger of princely states, the establishment of Bhubaneswar as the new capital, and the construction of the Hirakud Dam. In addition, Dr. Mahatab is remembered for institutions like the Odisha State Museum, State Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Mandap, the Radio Station in Cuttack, the High Court, Vidyadharpur Rice Research Centre, and the Odisha Public Service Commission.
Cuttack Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahatab said Dr. Mahatab had many aspirations and ambitions for the development of Odisha.
On this occasion, Gadkari and Majhi also inaugurated a photo exhibition on the life of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab.
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Tags: #History will always remember Harekrushna Mahatab’s contribution to Odisha: Gadkari
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