New Delhi, March 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Biju Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, on his birth anniversary. PM Modi shared his homage on X, stating, “I pay my respects to Biju Patnaik and remember his passion for advancing Odisha’s progress.”
Biju Patnaik was born on March 5, 1916, in Bhubaneshwar, Ganjam district, into a Kayastha family. His father was Lakshminarayan Patnaik, and his mother was Ashalata Patnaik. He pursued his education at Ravenshaw College in Cuttack. His interest in flying led him to leave college and train as a pilot. During the early days of World War II, Patnaik joined the Royal Indian Air Force.
Biju Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha twice. His son, Naveen Patnaik, has held the position for four consecutive terms. Biju is remembered for his courageous acts as a pilot during World War II and the Kashmir War of 1948.
In October 1947, following the partition, when Pakistani tribal invaders attacked Kashmir, Biju Patnaik flew a Dakota DC-3 aircraft from Delhi. He was tasked with quickly delivering an Indian Army contingent to Srinagar, as the invaders could have trapped his aircraft if they reached the city first.
On October 27, 1947, he took off for the Srinagar airstrip with a contingent of 17 soldiers from the Sikh Regiment. Initially, he circled around Srinagar before making a rapid descent, flying just a few feet above the airstrip. After confirming that the airstrip was secure and free from enemy control, he successfully landed the aircraft.
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O.P./V.C.
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