Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab

Commemorative Postage Stamp on Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab – 125th Birth Anniversary.

The Department of Posts proudly releases a commemorative postage stamp honoring Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab on his 125th Birth Anniversary, celebrating his towering contributions to India’s freedom movement, democratic governance, and the development of Odisha.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born on November 21, 1899, in Agarpara village, Bhadrak district of Odisha, Harekrushna Mahtab hailed from a respected Kshatriya family. His formative years at Bhadrak High School and Ravenshaw College instilled in him values of service and sacrifice.

Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, Mahtab left his studies to join the freedom struggle in 1921. His dedication soon earned him leadership roles, including chairmanship of the Balasore District Congress Committee and membership in the Bihar and Odisha Council. His active role in the Non-Cooperation Movement led to his first arrest for sedition.

Leadership in the Freedom Struggle

In 1930, as President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, Mahtab led Odisha’s Salt Satyagraha, drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s Dandi March. Imprisoned for his defiance, he continued to rise in influence, becoming General Officer Commanding of the Congress Sevadal in 1932.

Mahtab was also a passionate advocate of social justice. In 1934, he made history by opening the doors of his ancestral temple to all, challenging untouchability. His inclusion in the Congress Working Committee under Subhas Chandra Bose (1938) further strengthened his national profile. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, he was jailed at Ahmednagar Fort until 1945, alongside India’s top leaders.

Architect of Modern Odisha

Elected to the Constituent Assembly, Mahtab was pivotal in integrating Odia-speaking princely states, laying the foundation for modern Odisha. As the first Chief Minister of Odisha (1946–1950, 1956–1960), his tenure was transformative:

• Relocating the state capital from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar
• Spearheading major infrastructure projects like the Hirakud Dam and Rourkela Steel Plant
• Driving policies that strengthened industrialization, self-sufficiency, and inclusive development

His pragmatic diplomacy in merging princely states like Nilgiri underscored his skillful leadership and vision.

Later Years and Democratic Convictions

Disillusioned with the Congress under Indira Gandhi, Mahtab founded the Orissa Jana Congress (OJC). Though the party saw limited success, he remained a fearless defender of democracy, opposing authoritarianism during the Emergency in 1975.

Scholar, Writer, and Journalist

Beyond politics, Mahtab was a prolific writer and intellectual. During his incarcerations, he authored works such as:

• “Nutan Dharma” (novel)
• “Swarajya Sadhana” (drama)
• “History of Orissa” (historical account)

He also contributed to journalism through publications like Prajatantra and Rachana, promoting Gandhian ideals and democratic thought.

The Commemorative Stamp

The Harekrushna Mahtab 125th Birth Anniversary Stamp pays tribute to his enduring legacy—as a freedom fighter, visionary statesman, reformer, and scholar. For philatelists, it is a collectible that reflects India’s rich history of leadership and sacrifice, while inspiring future generations to uphold values of democracy, inclusivity, and service.