New Delhi, March 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Biju Patnaik, a two-time 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, into a Kayastha family. His father was Lakshminarayan Patnaik, and his mother was Ashalata Patnaik. He studied at Ravenshaw College in Cuttack but left to pursue his interest in flying, training as a pilot. He later joined the Royal Indian Air Force at the onset of World War II.
Patnaik served as 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 in 1948.
In October 1947, when Pakistani tribal invaders attacked Kashmir, Biju Patnaik flew a Dakota DC-3 aircraft from Delhi. He aimed to deliver an Indian Army contingent to Srinagar swiftly, as their arrival was crucial to prevent the invaders from taking control of the area.
On October 27, 1947, he took off for the Srinagar airstrip with a team of 17 soldiers from the Sikh Regiment. Initially, he circled around Srinagar before making a sharp descent, flying just feet above the airstrip. Once he confirmed that the airstrip was secure and free from enemy control, he landed the aircraft.
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