Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, on his 110th birth anniversary, recalling his “passion towards furthering the progress of Odisha,”
Biju Patnaik, born on this day in 1916 in Cuttack, was a freedom fighter, daring aviator, industrialist, and two-time Chief Minister of Odisha, whose larger-than-life persona left an indelible mark on the state’s modern identity. Biju Patnaik was Chief Minister of the state for two terms, the first from 1961-1963 and then from 1990-1995.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, DCM Pravati Parida, and other senior BJD leaders offered floral tributes at the statue of the legendary leader on the Assembly premises.
Speaking to the media, the CM said: “He was a great freedom fighter, industrialist, skilled pilot, and also a politician. From his student life to the Emergency period, his life was filled with struggles. He dedicated his entire life to Odisha and its advancement. He never once compromised on his dignity or self-respect, earning him the enduring love and admiration of every Odia. He envisioned a grand future for our state. My government remains steadfastly committed to realising those cherished, unfulfilled dreams and building a Samrudha (prosperous) Odisha.”
During his tenure as the CM, Biju Patnaik focused on infrastructure, education, and rural empowerment, with a fierce commitment to Odisha’s self-reliance and cultural pride. His landmark achievements include the establishment of Paradip Port and the growth of the Choudwar-Barbil industrial corridors, which significantly bolstered the state’s industrial foundation. He also introduced one-third reservation for women in local governance bodies, a visionary and progressive step well ahead of its time.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik, accompanied by senior party leaders, workers, and supporters, also offered floral tributes at the statue of his father at Biju Patnaik Park in Bhubaneswar.
The BJD was founded on December 26, 1997, and named after its legendary leader.
“On the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik today, our party president Naveen Patnaik offered floral tributes to the memory of late Biju Patnaik. Biju Babu’s idea of India, the idea of Odisha, goes beyond the shores of India and Odisha. Whether it’s fighting the Nazis or supporting the Russians at that time during the war. Whether it was rescuing the freedom fighters of Indonesia who had gone to become the leaders of Indonesia, or fighting the Pakistanis by landing the first troops in Srinagar. Each time you find the bravery and valour of Biju Babu in the entire global scenario in India, he was the maker of modern Odisha, with its industrialisation or agricultural development, tribal upliftment or women’s empowerment, every space of Odisha has seen the touch of Biju Babu…,” BJD MP Sasmit Patra told ANI.
The regional party has made elaborate arrangements to celebrate the day with enthusiasm across Odisha. Floral tributes will be paid at statues of Biju Babu, patriotic songs will be performed, and discussion sessions will highlight the iconic leader’s pivotal role in shaping a prosperous Odisha. In addition, blood donation camps will be organised at multiple locations. A special programme will also take place at the BJD headquarters, graced by the presence of the party president.
