Bhubaneswar: On his 110th birth anniversary, Odisha and the nation are remembering Biju Patnaik, not just as a politician, but as a larger-than-life figure who flew planes into danger zones and ideas into reality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage to the great leader on his birth anniversary. Taking to X, the Prime Minister lauded Patnaik's dedication to Odisha and his role in shaping its growth trajectory. "On his birth anniversary today, I pay tributes to Shri Biju Patnaik Ji and remember his passion towards furthering the progress of Odisha," PM Modi wrote.
Biju Patnaik's son and Odisha Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik paid his respect terming him "the great people's hero and pride of the Odias." "Every worker of the Biju Janata Dal remains ever dedicated to the service of Odisha Ma in his ideals. His ethos of building the best Odisha by taking everyone along is an eternal source of inspiration for all of us," he added
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said that his Government will work to fulfil the dreams of legendary leader former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. "Biju Babu fought throughout his life for his self-respect, Odisha’s pride, and the dignity of the country. Biju Babu dreamed many dreams for Odisha. Our Government will work to fulfil those dreams,” he said to media after paying floral tributes at the statue of Biju Patnaik on the State Assembly premises.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) also paid tribute, describing Patnaik as "a courageous son of Odisha who devoted his life to the service of the nation and the state."
A freedom fighter, two-time Chief Minister, and architect of modern Odisha, Patnaik's legacy continues to shape the state and inspire generations.
Born in 1916, Patnaik's career spanned daring missions and visionary reforms. In 1947, at Jawaharlal Nehru's request, he piloted his Dakota aircraft to Java to rescue Indonesian leaders Sjahrir and Hatta from Dutch forces, earning him legendary status in Indonesia and lifelong friendship with President Sukarno. He also airlifted Indian troops during the Kashmir conflict, supported Bangladesh's liberation, and flew covert missions in World War II.
As Chief Minister (1961-63, 1990-95), Patnaik spearheaded infrastructure projects like Paradip Port, Hirakud Dam, and Bhubaneswar Airport. He established institutions such as NALCO, OUAT, and Sainik School, laying the foundation for Odisha's industrial and educational growth. His Panchayati Raj reforms in 1991 reserved 33% seats for women in local governance, later adopted nationally through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
Today, tributes pour in for the "daredevil pilot" who combined courage with vision, leaving behind a legacy that still defines Odisha's identity.