Harekrushna Mahtab

It is very difficult to write the biography of a multifaceted personality like Dr Harekrushna Mahtab. He is regarded as a major figure in the Indian independence movement. He was one amongst the Oriya leaders who took part in the freedom struggle. After Gopabandhu, it was Mahtab who gave Congress inspiring leadership during the freedom movement.

Deeply inspired by the ideas espoused by Swami Vivekananda in his student days, Mahtab dedicated his life to the cause of serving the country and the people. An ardent follower of Gandhi, Mahtab made Satyagraha (love for truth) and non-cooperation the guiding principles of his life. These reflect dimensions of his strong personality and leadership.

Writing a biography of a great personality like Dr Mahtab proved a daunting task. It is true that several books have been published on his life. But, a holistic evaluation of his achievements has not been undertaken so far.

After I came to Bhubaneswar in 1968, I had had an opportunity of seeing him from a distance as well as from the close quarters. I had immense respect and love for him, which remains undiminished. To me, the Orissa we live in today is his contribution. People of this land will remember forever the contribution he made to the integration of the feudatory states into Orissa.

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