Bhubaneswar, Ap 17: The 27th death anniversary of the great visionary, statesman and leader Biju Patnaik was observed today (April 17) across the state. Biju Patnaik, a former chief minister passed away on April 17, 1997. His legacy lives on through his son Naveen Patnaik, who entered politics after his father's demise, eventually founding the BJD.
Naveen Patnaik has maintained an impeccable record, winning every election since taking office as the president of Biju Janata Dal.
Here are some intriguing facets of Biju babu:
- Born on March 5, 1916, in Cuttack to Odia father Lakshminarayan Patnaik and Bengali mother Ashalata Devi, with his ancestral home in Bellaguntha, Ganjam.
- Known for his love of sports and adventure, he played a pivotal role in his school's football team, securing the inter-school championship for three consecutive years.
- In 1932, he embarked on a remarkable journey, cycling from Cuttack to Peshawar as part of the 'Visit India Mission,' spreading messages of humanity across roughly 4500 miles.
- Dropping out of Ravenshaw College, he was trained as a pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II, rescuing numerous British families from Japanese captivity.
- Despite receiving accolades from British authorities for his heroism, he faced imprisonment in 1943 for aiding freedom fighters by transporting them in his plane to secret locations.
- Displaying his valor, he supported the Soviet Army against Hitler during World War II, earning recognition from the Russians.
- His residence in Delhi served as a haven for freedom fighters during India's struggle for independence, earning the nickname "Absconder’s paradise."
- Acting on Jawaharlal Nehru's directive, Biju Patnaik and his wife Gyan flew to Java, rescuing Sultan Sjahrir, Indonesia's former Prime Minister, from Dutch custody in 1947.
- He facilitated the airlift of the 1-Sikh regiment to Srinagar in October 1947, underlining his commitment to India's security.
- Serving as Odisha's Chief Minister from 1990 until his passing in 1997, he was elected from the North Cuttack constituency.
- He spent two years incarcerated during the Emergency declared in 1975, marking him as one of the earliest opposition leaders to be arrested.
- Biju Patnaik spearheaded various developmental initiatives, including establishing Kalinga Airlines, the Port of Paradip, and institutions like NITR.
- As President of the Kalinga Foundation Trust, he initiated the Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science in 1952, recognized by UNESCO.
- Under his leadership, the CIA and Indian Intelligence collaborated to form the Tibetan Guerrilla Force, bolstering Tibetan resistance against China in 1962.
- Biju Patnaik passed away at the residence of Union Minister Dilip Ray in Delhi, draped in the flags of India, Russia, and Indonesia, symbolizing the international recognition of his bravery.
