The Russian government paid tribute to the legendary leader Biju Patnaik’s contributions during World War II. On May 9, a special ceremony was organized at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi to unveil a memorial plaque in his honour.
According to sources, opposition leader and Biju Janata Dal leader Naveen Patnaik attended the ceremony and expressed gratitude to the Russian government for honouring his father’s legacy. The celebration commemorated the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Nazism during World War II.
During the war, Biju Patnaik was instrumental in assisting the Soviet Red Army, particularly during the Stalingrad campaign, where he is famous for flying dangerous sorties to deliver arms and relief.
In honor of his bravery, the Russian Embassy erected a commemorative plaque to Biju Patnaik on its grounds. Denis Alipov, the Russian ambassador to India, personally invited Naveen Patnaik to attend the occasion.
Dignitaries attended the ceremony, which marked an important milestone in the building of India-Russia relations. Naveen Patnaik’s attendance emphasized the significance of his father’s efforts as well as the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Expressing gratitude for being invited to the memorial plaque inauguration ceremony at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, Patnaik wrote: “Honoured to attend the memorial plaque inauguration ceremony at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi to commemorate the contribution of legendary #BijuPatnaik in Stalingrad Operation during WWII. The Battle of Stalingrad led to success for Russia in the war against Nazi Germany which saved the world from untold horror. People of #Odisha will be immensely pleased with this award for #BijuPatnaik whom they treat with huge respect. Thank @RusEmbIndia for the honour.”