The Utkal Keshari Dr Harekrushna Mahtab Smaraki Parishad has demanded that Bharat Ratna be awarded to Mahtab for his matchless contribution for formation of Odisha.
Parishad members passed a resolution at a meeting held here on Tuesday on the proposal of former Utkal University of Culture Vice-Chancellor and Parishad president Dr Bimalendu Mohanty.
On the occasion, Harekrushna Mahtab Academy Principal Aryakumar Jnanendra informed that efforts have been initiated to install a statue of Mahtab at his birthplace Agarpada. Among others, parishad secretary Dr Bhagabat Tripathi, Agani Charan Jena, Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Bhadrak Sammilani secretary Banshidhar Bhoi, jounalist Gurukalyan Mahapatra and Prof Niranjan Padhi were present.