Bhubaneswar: A politician thinks of next elections while a statesman thinks of next generation. These were the words of wise counsel spoken by legendary Biju Patnaik to senior political leader Dilip Ray.
Paying his tributes to the towering personality of Odisha in social media, Dilip recalled an incident involving him and Biju Babu. “In the run-up to 1995 elections when I suggested Biju Babu to announce some freebies and populist measures, he expressed his strong disapproval for it and then went on to explain me the difference between the two as quoted above,” wrote Dilip.
The veteran leader, who was one of the founders of BJD in Odisha, said Biju Babu’s distinction between a politician and a statesman very aptly speaks about the visionary he was. To see Odisha develop, prosper and reclaim its glorious past was a goal that he cherished and he dedicated his entire life to that purpose.
“The Father of Odisha’s Industrial Revolution laid down the foundation of modern-day Odisha. His legacy lives on and continues to be a source of inspiration to all of us,” said Dilip.
He further said, “Today as we all pay our tribute to Biju Babu on his birth anniversary, I must say that politicians will come, many may even win elections for many terms but only a statesman will remain etched in the memory of the masses and the rest will eventually fade away into oblivion.”
“These days when winning election is the sole purpose of many parties, Biju Babu’s words serve as a guiding light to leaders who truly want to make a difference and in fact why only leaders, everyone who aspires to make a meaningful contribution to the society should start applying this dictum in every decision that they take because the day when we all start thinking in terms of what our decisions today will have an impact on our future generations, the time will not be far behind when our state and country will reclaim its glorious past. And this would be a true tribute to Biju Babu.”
Narrating another experience with the former chief minister, Dilip wrote, “Today Odisha misses its ‘Tallman’ a lot and for me, I cannot even express what vacuum his absence has created in my life. Every 5 March at 6 am, I especially miss that smiling face of Biju Babu during the cake-cutting ceremony which we used to have at my home and his liking for the cake is something I miss the most today.”
“Once again paying my heartfelt tribute to my mentor, my leader and to someone to whom I owe everything that I am today. Happy Birthday Biju Babu!!!,” concluded Dilip.
