Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it is important that diverse and comprehensive history of Odisha should reach people living in each nook and corner of the country because the State epitomises the historical strength of the entire country.
The PM said this while releasing the Hindi adaptation of the book ‘Odisha Itihaas’ written by ‘Utkal Keshari’ Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab. The book, earlier available in Odia and English, has been translated into Hindi by Shankarlal Purohit.
He remembered Dr Mahtab’s contribution in the freedom struggle and lauded him for his efforts in reforming the society. He also noted that during the Emergency, Dr Mahtab went to jail opposing the party under from which he later became Chief Minister. “He went to prison for both independence and for saving the country’s democracy”, the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister said that history of Odisha represents the historical strength of entire India. This might, reflected in the history is connected with the present and future possibilities and work as a guide for us, said the Prime Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan thanked Mahtab foundation for the Hindi translation of the book.
“….More than ten years ago he conceived a future for Orissa which he had the good fortune to realise in his own lifetime. It has also been his proud privilege not only to make that future, but also to lay the foundation of a brighter future still…,” said Bhartrujari Mahatab, Cuttack MP & son of Harekrushna Mahatab, while quoting some famous lines from a speech of illustrious freedom fighter & Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)