Bhubaneswar: Just a mention of late Biju Patnaik anywhere in Odisha as well as across the country evokes countless stories of his valour, leadership, statesmanship, extraordinary courage, farsighted vision, people’s leader, seeds of industrialisation, entrepreneurship and much more. However, many would not know about the various books penned on the life of the legendary thinker, freedom fighter, statesman and visionary.
Here we bring to you brief glimpses of some of the books which present vivid stories and rare photographs of the legend in their own unique way.
Legendary Biju – The Man and Mission
Published in 2002, this 262 pages book edited by Major KP Mohanty is a compilation of articles penned by persons from various walks of life including political leaders like Rabi Ray, Sarat Kumar Kar, and Bhagabat Prasad Mohanty, who had known or worked with Biju Patnaik. Through personal accounts and stories penned by these eminent persons, the book presents various facets of the late leader.
Sahasi O Swabhimani Biju Aja
Published by Bestseller publication and authored by retired banker and agro-economy expert Natabar Khuntia, ‘Sahasi O Swabhimani Biju Aja’ presents late Biju Patnaik as the inspiring maternal grandfather. ‘Biju Aja’ takes the form of storytelling for children by narrating stories of valour, exemplary courage and self-righteousness of Biju Patnaik. Published in 2003-04, this book features lucid illustrations of the stalwart’s many heroics.
Bula Nishare Biju
As the name suggests, ‘Bula Nishare Biju’ presents various travel escapades and anecdotal stories associated with legendary Biju Patnaik in an enchanting travelogue for children. Penned by retired banker and agro-economy expert Natabar Khuntia, this book features the epic cycle tour of Biju Patnaik to Peshawar, his frequent commute to the state secretariat on a bicycle and many more stories weaved around his travel to various places.
Biju Biju Biju
This 1,200-page voluminous book is authored by veteran journalist-cum-author Jimuta Mangaraj. It has rare photographs of Biju Patnaik on each page and offers detailed description on his multifaceted personality, achievements, courageous acts, exemplary statesmanship, political activities and much more. It is said that someone who reads this book gets to know each and everything about the legendary leader.
Biju Patnaik – National Icon and Second Kharvela of Odisha
In this 500-page biography of Biju Patnaik, the author Prafulla Chandra Nayak equates him to the legendary King Kharvela as both of them made Odisha proud with their grand achievements, courage and statesmanship. In the book, Nayak has mentioned that while making relentless efforts for building a prosperous Odisha, Biju Patnaik always invoked three names — Lord Jagannath, Kalinga and Kharvela — in all his speeches to inspire every Odia to achieve excellence for Odisha.
Satabdira Duradrasta (A visionary leader of the Century)
This 255-page book edited by senior journalist Nilambar Rath and published by OdishaLive is a compilation of articles contributed by eminent persons from all walks of life on the life and times of Biju Patnaik. As a tribute to the great leader in his birth centenary year, the book was formally released by then Vice President of India Hamid Ansari in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in New Delhi in November 2016. The book features a series of rare pictures of Biju Patnaik and covers his visit to Peshawar on bicycle, life as a pilot, entrepreneurship, work as Chief Minister and Union Minister including his last journey.
The Tall Man Biju Patnaik
Considered the most comprehensive pictorial biography of the unparalleled mass leader, this book is authored by Sundar Ganeshan. It vividly talks about the daredevil acts of the great leader and visionary Biju Patnaik, who was two time Chief Minister and also a former Union Minister. It touches upon his important role in the Indian freedom struggle and building foundations for an industrialised Odisha. The book contains rare photographs of the legendary leader covering his life along with relevant documents from credible sources which are testimony to his exalted personality. The book was formally unveiled at a ceremony in Bhubaneswar by former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and eminent politicians.
Biju Patnaik – A Political Biography
One of the early biographies covering the life and time of Biju Patnaik, this book is authored by senior journalist Bhaskar Parichha. It was first published in 1995 by Delhi based Har-Anand Publications. This political biography of the legendary statesman presents a kaleidoscopic reportage of events, personalities and the humbug of the realpolitik spanning four decades when Biju Patnaik dominated India’s political scene.
The book elucidates Biju Patnaik’s multifaceted personality, bravery, a knack for adventure, modesty in public life and his commitment to the grand vision for an industrialised and prosperous Odisha.
