Utkal Keshari Harekrushna Mahatab.

Harekrushna Mahatab was the Chief Minister of Orissa for two terms and also he was a politician, freedom fighter, and well-known personality. He was the leader of the National Congress, a Notable figure in the Indian independence movement.

He was chief minister of India for two terms from 1946-1951 and again 1956-1961. He was popularly known as Utkal keshari.

Harekrushna Mahatab was born at Agarpada village in Bhadrak district, Odisha. After his matriculation study from Bhadrak district high school, he joins in Ravenshaw university for higher study, but soon they left to study in the year 1921 to join in Independence movement.

Honours Given To Harekrushna Mahatab

Harekrushna Mahatab also choose as the  Orissa Sahitya Academy president  also the President of Sangit Natak Academy for some periods.He also received 'Sahitya Academy Award' in 1983 for his book Gan Majlis.
Harekrushna Mahatab was also honoured with D.Litt from Utkal University.Andhra University had honoured Harekrushna Mhatab with Doctorate Degree.He was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 1967, 1971 and 1974. He was imprisoned in 1976 for protesting against the emergency.

He also awarded honoured Harekrushna Mahatab Doctorate of Law from Sagar University . He also honoured with Title Utkal Keshari.

Dr. Harekrushna mahatab was the founder of the prajatantra prachar samiti and started weekly magazine named as prajatantra, and a monthly journal 'Jhnkar' , He was also the chief editor of the weekly english magazine called 'The Eastern Times'

Harekrushna Mahatab Died on January 2, 1987.