Indonesia’s Ambassador to India Ina H Krishnamurthy on Thursday was overwhelmed after taking a close look at the Dakota aircraft at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.
In her reaction after seeing the plane, she said that it was a matter of great privilege for her to have a glimpse of the plane. She said she couldn’t stop herself from getting teary-eyed as Dakota reminds her of Biju Patnaik’s sacrifice for Indonesia.
“The plane itself shows the deep relationship between Indonesia and Odisha. It is a pleasure and honour for me. I can’t express my happiness to be here in Odisha. I am blessed that I have visited Odisha three times. I hope it is not going to be the last. I will visit Odisha again and again,” she said.
Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said, “Biju Patnaik's heroic mission completed 75 years. To make it big, she said she would participate in the Cuttack Bali Jatra in the coming year. She also hinted at how India and Indonesia can act jointly to protect mangroves.”
The Dakota aircraft, which was gathering rust at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, was brought to Odisha in parts. It was then re-assembled at the Biju Patnaik International Airport and kept for public display. Eventually, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the aircraft on March 5, the birth anniversary of his father and former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik.