By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/CUTTACK: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was on Thursday paid rich tribute to his late father and legendary statesman Biju Patnaik on his 104th Birth Anniversary. Patnaik offered floral tribute at the Statute of Biju Babu here and inaugurated hosted of functions to mark this occasion. Thousands participated in Biju Patnaik Mini-Marathon here ,which was hosted by State Sports and Youth Services Department.
BJD has argued to confer Biju Babu with Bharat Ratna. BJD Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokesperson Amar Patnaik in an article written titled “Why the late Biju Patnaik deserves a Bharat Ratna,” that published in The Hindustan Times, clarified as to why Biju Babu deserves for Bharat Ratna. Janata Dal (Secular) leader Danish Ali had recently raised this issue, and asked why mass leaders like Patnaik and Kanshi Ram had been denied the honour so far.
In Cuttack, the Anada Bhawan, the birth place of late former Chief Minister wore festive look with people from all walks of life visiting.BJD also hosted a mega public meeting at Baliyatra Ground, where lakhs gathered.
Patnaik’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of politics and governance. He played a major role in World War II and the Kashmir War of 1948 as a pilot in the Indian Air Force. In his versatile DC-3 Dakota transport plane, an iconic workhorse of pre-war vintage, he engaged in vital sorties for troops in Kashmir, and supervised the mass air evacuation of civilians from the area when hostilities broke out.
As most roads were blocked by the invading forces, securing Srinagar airport and utilising it to supply troops and ammunitions proved to be the deciding factor in Kashmir’s takeover by India. He also served as an adviser to the prime minister during the 1962 conflict — the only civilian in such a position.
“Patnaik made a significant impact on contemporary Indian history. He was, and still remains, an awe-inspiring figure. It was due to his own humility that the full breadth of his achievements is not more widely known. However, his influence in shaping both Odisha and India cannot be denied. It would be appropriate to confer a posthumous Bharat Ratna on this legendary leader. In order for this generation to be better informed about his life and achievements, an official biography for Patnaik ought to be commissioned by the government . This would be to do true justice to one of India’s greatest sons,” BJD Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik.
