Finance
As Odisha commemorates the birth anniversary of late Chief Minister Biju Patnaik in grand style today, young people are eager to learn more about the legendary leader.
Biju Patnaik, whose name is etched in every Odia heart, was a visionary leader. He was dubbed the ‘Tall Leader,’ the ‘Iron Man of Odisha,’ and Kalinga Putra. Aside from that, he was popularly known as ‘Biju Babu’ among the general public..
Know some facts about the legendary political leader on his birth anniversary-
- Bijayananda Patnaik was Biju Patnaik’s full name.
- On March 5, 1916, in Cuttack, he was born to Bengali mother Ashalata Devi and Odia father Lakshiminarayan. His ancestors originated in G.Nuagan, Bellaguntha, Ganjam District.
- Biju Patnaik was a trained pilot who wanted to pursue a career in aviation, so he dropped out of Ravenshaw College.
- He was honoured by British rulers for his bravery in releasing some British families imprisoned by Japanese during WWII.
- Biju Pattnaik established the UNESCO Kalinga Prize in 1951 to promote scientific literacy. On Indonesia’s 50th anniversary, he was also given the “Bintang Jasu Utama” award.
- Biju Patnaik and his wife Gyan named their daughter Megawati after then-Indonesian President Sukarno.
- During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru sought advice from Biju Patnaik. He was thought to be close to Nehru.
- Biju Patnaik was well-known for his daring flying stunts. In 1947, he established the Kalinga Airline. The airline had 15 Dakota planes parked at its Kolkata headquarters. The army primarily used the planes to transport troops stationed in Kashmir. Kalinga Airline’s DC-3s were also used to drop supplies in the country’s north-eastern region and to provide services to army personnel in the region.
- On July 22, 1947, Biju Patnaik rescued former Indonesian Vice President Muhammad Hatta and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir from their enemies.
- He received honorary citizenship in Indonesia and was awarded with the highest civilian award “Bhoomi Putra”, a rare honour given to any foreigner.
- In 1966, when the Central government refused to give funds for building up Paradeep Port, Biju Patnaik stated,” To hell with the Govt, I will build the port with state government and my own money”.
- He was an avid Bridge player as well as a cyclist. He was frequently seen cycling to the State Secretariat. During his studies, he cycled from Cuttack to Peshawar (now in Pakistan) to spread the message of humanity.
- Biju Patnaik was one of the leaders arrested during the 1975 Emergency to oppose then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian rule. In 1977, he was released from prison.
- Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Odisha’s current ruling party, was named after Biju Pattnaik in order to honor him & fulfill his dreams.
- Biju Patnaik had not died at his Bhubaneswar home, Naveen Niwas. During his final days, he preferred to spend them at the home of former union minister and confidante Dilip Ray, whom he adored like a son.
- Every year on March 5, the Odisha government celebrates Panchayati Raj Day to commemorate Biju Babu’s birth anniversary.
Source:SE
