Utkal Keshari Dr Harekrishna Mahtab's 121st birth anniversary was celebrated by the Harekrishna Mahtab Memorial Trust on Saturday morning here.
In the first session poems were recited and a seminar on the theme, 'Post-independence Odia literature and Dr Mahtab' was held. Professor Himanshu Shekhar Acharya chaired.
Chief Guest poet Suresh Nayak and distinguished guests poet Kailash Chandra Pradhan, writer Harigur Das, columnist Sudhanshu Shekhar Satpathy were present while Basant Manjari Das, Sabita Nayak recited poems. The second session was presided over by executive president of the Smruti Sansad Basant Kumar Nayak.
In the session chief guest former Financial Minister Panchanan Kanungo, chief speaker former MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, distinguished guests former Municipality chairman Basant Kumar Biswal and activists Suresh Chandra Das joined and paid tribute to Dr Mahtab. Persons who excelled in various fields were honoured with Uttariya, certificates and bouquets.
91-year-old journalist and Editor of "Pallibandhu" magazine Sashi Bhusan Sarangi, senior citizen Sarangdhar Nayak, columnist Professor Himanshu Bhushan Acharya, poetess Gita Das, Basant Manjari Das, artist Rohan Biswal, administrator Bailochan Das, industrialist Bhairab Charan Das, fish farmer Vishnu Charan Patra, sportsman Amarjyoti Rout, Pala singer Nilima Khuntia and farmer Sudhir Nayak were felicitated.