Bhadrak, June 18, 2025: Excitement is building among the residents of Agarapada, the birthplace of Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, as preparations are underway for the establishment of the Mahatab Smriti Sangrahalaya. On June 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bhubaneswar and will virtually declare Agarapada a heritage village through video conferencing, marking a significant milestone in honoring the legacy of the architect of modern Odisha.
The district administration has identified a site adjacent to the District Training Institute in Agarapada for the construction of the memorial museum. On Wednesday, a team including BDO Sitakanta Rout, Assistant Executive Engineer Shraddhasuman Nath, Block Chairman Manoranjan Ghadei, and journalist Hemant Singh inspected the proposed location. Other attendees included Mahatab Mandal President Amulyaratna Nand, Gopalakrishna Das, Chinmay Mahapatra, Ashok Parida, and local BJP workers.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony on June 20 will see the presence of Bhadrak’s MP, MLAs, public representatives, the District Collector, and other government officials at the site. The event will be broadcast live via LED screens for public viewing, with special arrangements by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for cable connectivity. The BJP is mobilizing efforts to ensure a large turnout for the occasion.
Following long-standing demands from locals, the state government has allocated approximately ₹40 crore for the project, which will include a statue of Dr. Mahatab, the memorial museum, a library, and a park. The initiative aims to preserve and celebrate the contributions of the revered leader, fostering pride in the region’s rich historical legacy.
(reported by Chandini Mohanty)
