Kataka: A statue of former Odisha Chief Minister Janaki Ballabh Patnaik was unveiled at Daya Ashram Park in Tulasipu area of Kataka city.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik unveiled the full-length statue at a memorial meeting presided over by city Mayor Subash Singh on Friday.
A host of distinguished personalities, including Rajya Sabha MP Santrupt Misra, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, former ministers Niranjan Patnaik, Suresh Routray, Sashibhusan Behera and Bijaylaxmi Sahu, attended the programme.
The speakers remembered Patnaik’s life, ideals, political vision and contributions to Odisha’s development. They said his foresight and administrative abilities had ushered in a new chapter in the state’s progress.
His contributions to industrial development, expansion of education, promotion of the dignity of the Odia language and various reform initiatives were highlighted during the meeting.
The dignitaries said Patnaik’s life and work would continue to inspire future generations to serve the people and work for the state’s progress.
They also appreciated the Cuttack Municipal Corporation’s initiative to preserve the memory of eminent personalities and pass on the city’s historical and cultural heritage to future generations.
Senior advocate Dharanidhar Nayak, senior Congress leader Arya Kumar Gyanendra, Janaki Ballabh Patnaik Memorial Committee secretary Gobinda Bhuyan, local corporators Bikash Ranjan Behera and Santosh Kumar Bhol, BJP leaders Lalatendu Badu and Mohan Pati, and BJD district president Prafulla Singh were also present.
