Biju Patnaik (1916-1997) was a larger-than-life figure — a daredevil pilot, freedom fighter, industrialist, and visionary politician. He served as Chief Minister of Odisha twice and is credited with modernizing the state.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bijayananda Patnaik |
| Birth | March 5, 1916, Cuttack |
| Death | April 17, 1997, New Delhi |
| Wife | Gyan Patnaik |
| Children | Naveen Patnaik (Chief Minister 2000–2024), Prem, Gita Mehta |
The Fearless Pilot
Before politics, Biju Patnaik was a legendary aviator:
World War II
- Flew transport aircraft with the Royal Indian Air Force
- Transported troops and supplies, including evacuation flights from Rangoon and supply missions to Soviet forces
- Known for daring missions
Indonesian Independence
In July 1947, at Jawaharlal Nehru's request, he flew into Dutch-blockaded Java and flew Indonesian Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and other leaders out to India.
For this, Indonesia granted him honorary citizenship and the Bhumi Putra honour, and in 1995 awarded him the Bintang Jasa Utama.
Kashmir Operations
On 27 October 1947, he flew the first airlift sortie from Delhi to Srinagar, carrying soldiers of the Sikh Regiment to defend the city.
Political Career
First Term as Chief Minister (1961-1963)
Key achievements credited to him:
- Established Paradeep Port — Odisha's gateway to the world
- Founded Regional Engineering College (now NIT Rourkela)
- Built the Express Highway to Paradip
- Brought HAL's Sunabeda aero-engine factory to Koraput
Second Term (1990-1995)
At age 74, returned to transform Odisha:
- Panchayati Raj reforms — Power to villages
- Reservation for women in local bodies
- Educational expansion
- Industrial development
The Industrialist
Biju Patnaik founded:
- Kalinga Airlines — Odisha's first airline
- Kalinga Tubes
- Kalinga Iron Works
- Kalinga Refractories
In 1951 he also funded the Kalinga Prize, an international award for the popularization of science administered by UNESCO.
He believed in self-reliance and wanted Odisha to industrialize without depending on the center.
Philosophy
Biju Patnaik spoke often of Odisha's untapped potential and of the role of young people in the state's future. In 1992 he said that in his dream of the 21st century for the state, he would have young men and women who put the interest of the state before themselves.
Legacy
Named After Him
- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
- Biju Expressway
- Biju Patnaik University of Technology
- Countless schools, stadiums, and roads
Political Legacy
His son Naveen Patnaik founded the Biju Janata Dal, named after him, and served as Chief Minister from 2000 to 2024, the longest tenure in Odisha's history.
International Recognition
- Indonesia — Honorary citizenship, Bhumi Putra title, Bintang Jasa Utama (1995)
Remembering Biju Babu
Every year on March 5, Odisha marks his birth anniversary, observed as Panchayati Raj Divas:
- Schools and offices commemorate him
- Political leaders pay tribute
- Stories of his courage are retold
Related: History of Odisha • Notable People
