Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said Biju Babu had immense faith in the youth.
“Biju Babu’s biggest asset was the youth society as he knew it very well that it can bring in a sea change in the socio-economic development of the state. He was truly a protagonist of the Odia race and culture,” the chief minister said addressing the people on the occasion of birth centenary of former chief minister Biju Patnaik at Baramunda ground in the city here.
“Despite being at the helm of national politics, Biju Babu had always respected the trust of the poor people. He had always fought for more powers to panchayats. He had championed the cause of the women and created opportunities to utilise their capacity and talent for the development of the country”, Patnaik said.
Comparing Biju Babu with the mythological Bhagirathi who had brought Goddess Ganga to the earth to save human civilisation, he said the legendary leader had successfully brought development to each village of the state.
Paying glowing tributes to the legendary leader, Patnaik said Biju Babu was a symbol of Odisha’s progress and pride. “He was not a person, but an institution."
Announcing that the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik would be celebrated in all cities, towns and villages across Odisha for a year from today, the chief minister said people from all walks of life would be involved in the celebration.
Biju Babu had immense faith In his work and always stayed away from publicity. “It is our responsibility to reach out his ideology and moral values to all youths, students and women in each village and they should be inspired to work with courage and conviction," he said.
Several senior leaders of Biju Janata Dal spoke about the contribution, courage and the dreams of Biju Patnaik.
The chief minister felicitated several distinguished personalities on the occasion.