Bhubaneswar: As Odisha is commemorating the birth anniversary of its beloved leader Biju Patnaik today, memories of a life well-lived and a legacy that continues to inspire flood the air.
Fondly known as ‘Biju Babu’, he was a multifaceted personality – a visionary statesman, a daring pilot, and a champion of the people. Apart from that, he was known as the ‘Tall Leader’, ‘Iron Man of Odisha’ and ‘Kalinga Putra’.
Born on March 5, 1916, in Cuttack, Biju Patnaik’s life was a testament to his unwavering courage and unrelenting passion for service. His ancestors hailed from Bellaguntha in Ganjam District, and his parents, Laxminarayan Patnaik and Ashalata Devi, nurtured a young Biju who would grow to become the ‘Iron Man of Odisha’.
A trained pilot with a penchant for adventure, Biju Patnaik’s fascination with aviation led him to drop out of Ravenshaw College. His bravery during World War II earned him recognition from the British rulers, who honored him for rescuing British families trapped by the Japanese. This daring spirit would become a hallmark of his life, earning him the title ‘Tall Leader’.
Biju Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha twice, first from 1961 to 1963 and later from 1990 to 1995. During his tenure, he was widely credited for initiating major industrial and infrastructure projects that contributed significantly to the state’s economic development.
Notably, he remains the only Indian leader whose mortal remains were draped in the national flags of India, Russia and Indonesia after his passing, in recognition of his contributions and global impact.
As Odisha is celebrating his birth anniversary today, let’s revisit the remarkable life of this iconic leader:
- Born on March 5, 1916, in Cuttack, Biju Patnaik’s full name was Bijayananda Patnaik. He was born to Ashalata Devi, a Bengali, and Lakshiminarayan, an Odia.
- A trailblazer in aviation, he dropped out of Ravenshaw College to pursue his passion for flying, becoming a trained pilot.
- His bravery during World War II earned him recognition from the British rulers for rescuing trapped British families from Japanese imprisonment.
- In 1951, he founded the UNESCO Kalinga Prize, promoting science and its popularization.
- Indonesia honored him with the ‘Bintang Jasu Utama’ on its 50th Independence Day and ‘Bhoomi Putra’, the highest civilian award, for his heroic rescue of Vice President Muhammad Hatta and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir in 1947.
- He played a key role in naming Indonesian President Sukarno’s daughter ‘Megawati’ alongside his wife Gyan.
- A trusted advisor to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he was consulted during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
- As a daring pilot, he formed Kalinga Airline in 1947, operating 15 Dakota planes from Kolkata, serving the army in Kashmir and the north-east.
- His bold stance against the Central government’s refusal to fund Paradeep Port in 1966 showcased his determination: “To hell with the Govt, I will build the port with state government and my own money”.
- An avid bridge player and cyclist, he often cycled to the State Secretariat, embodying simplicity.
- His cycling journey from Cuttack to Peshawar (now in Pakistan) showcased his commitment to spreading humanity.
- During the 1975 Emergency, he opposed Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian rule, earning imprisonment, but was released in 1977.
- The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was named in his honour, fulfilling his dreams.
