PM Modi remembers former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on his 109th birth anniversary. The PM recalled Biju Patnaik’s contribution to Odisha’s development and to empowering people.

He recalled how Biju Patnaik was staunchly committed to democratic ideals and strongly opposed the Emergency. PM Modi also hailed his visionary leadership and indomitable spirit that still continue to inspire generations.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), PM Modi shared, “Remembering Biju Babu on his birth anniversary. We fondly recall his contribution toward Odisha’s development and his empowering people. He was also staunchly committed to democratic ideals, strongly opposing the Emergency.”

Legacy of Biju Patnaik:

Biju Patnaik (1916–1997) was a freedom fighter, two-time Chief Minister of Odisha, and a key architect of modern Odisha. He pioneered Panchayati Raj reforms, reserving 33% seats for women in local governance in 1991 – a model later adopted nationally through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. His birth anniversary (March 5) has been celebrated as Panchayati Raj Divas in Odisha since the 1990s.

Relationship with Indonesia:

In 1947, after the Dutch attempted to recapture Indonesia, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru directed Biju Patnaik to fly to Java to rescue Sjahrir and Hatta. He landed his Dakota in Java and left with Sjahrir and Hatta. Since then, Biju Patnaik has become a legend in Indonesia and a friend of the country's first president, Sukarno.

Architect of Modern Odisha:

As Chief Minister (1961-63, 1990-95), Patnaik transformed Odisha's infrastructure through projects like Paradip Port, Bhubaneswar Airport, and Hirakud Dam. He established key institutions, including NALCO, OUAT, and Sainik School, while pioneering industrialization through Kalinga Airlines, Kalinga Tubes, and Panchayat Industries.

Cross-Border Humanitarian:

Beyond Indonesia, Patnaik airlifted Indian troops during the 1947 Kashmir conflict and supported Bangladesh's liberation. During WWII, he flew covert missions for Allied forces and rescued British families from Japanese-occupied Burma.