By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Tributes to Biju Babu on his birth anniversary. His futuristic vision for India, emphasis on human empowerment as well as social justice inspires us all. The nation is proud of his efforts for Odisha’s progress.”
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik called upon people to keep alive the ideologies of ‘Service and Self-Esteem’ followed by the Statesman all through his life.Patnaik said this while addressing a ceremony marking the celebration of the freedom fighter’s 105th birth anniversary.
Biju Patnaik was Chief Minister of Odisha twice in mid-60s and first half of 90s.As Biju Patnaik was instrumental in strengthening Three Tier Panchayati Raj system in Odisha, the State Government also observed the day as ‘Panchayati Raj Day’.
As part of Biju Babu’s efforts towards women empowerment, he for the first time in the country One Third seats for women in the Rural Local Bodies during his tenure as the Chief Minister between 1990-95.
Patnaik said that Biju Patnaik was epitome of ‘Odia Pride’ and he all along dedicated his life to the service of the people while marinating Odia “Swabhiman” (Self-Esteem).Chief Minister said Odisha has made progress basing its policies on Biju Patnaik’s progressive ideologies.
