New Delhi, Nov 21: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Thursday paid rich tributes and homage to 'Utkal Keshari' Mahtab on his 125th Birth Anniversary and termed him a true Statesman of Odia Asmita.

The Union Minister was speaking at the national-level commemorative meeting held to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of the legendary personality.

Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Sekhawat for the national commemoration of Dr Mahatab's 125th Jayanti.

He also thanked Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for planning to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Mahatab for a year.

"Mahata was one of the frontal personalities who contributed to the formation of new Odisha on a language basis in 1936. His contribution to India's freedom struggle was immense," remembered Pradhan.

Pradhan said Dr. Mahatab quit "Baibhav" (Luxurious Life) in the interest of Odisha and the country and, thus, earned the name 'Utkal Keshari'. He was the last Prime Minister and first Chief Minister of Odisha. He was a true Statesman of Odia Osmita, said Pradhan.

The Union Minister highlighted Dr Mahatab's contributions to the development of Odisha. "Hirakud Dam was envisioned by Mahatab and constructed by his efforts. Odisha's agriculture sector saw radical changes after the construction of the Hirakud Dam," contended Pradhan.

Pradhan narrated how Dr Mahatab's 'Goan Majlis' Column brought about socioeconomic changes in rural Odisha. His books on Odisha's history will continue to inspire people for generations.

President Droupadi Murmu graced the event as chief guest. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab were present.

On the occasion, a commemorative postage stamp and coin were released. Besides three books- A monograph on Dr Mahatab's life and English and Hindi versions of 'Gaon Majlis' were released.

While India Post Head Akhilesh Kumar Pande released the stamp and coin and handed over the same to the president, Pradhan uncovered the monograph and English version of Gaon Majlis and handed over the first copies to Murmu. Sekhawat released the Hindi version of Gaon Majlis and gave the President the first copy.

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