Biju Patnaik — The Legendary Leader
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, Delhi |
| Wife | Gyan Patnaik |
| Children | Naveen Patnaik (current CM), Prem, Gita |
The Fearless Pilot
Before politics, Biju Patnaik was a legendary aviator:
World War II
- ✦Flew for the Royal Air Force
- ✦Transported troops and supplies
- ✦Known for impossible missions
Indonesian Independence
In 1947, he secretly flew Indonesia's first Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and other leaders out of Dutch-occupied territory:
"He risked his life flying through enemy fire to help Indonesia gain freedom."
For this, Indonesia awarded him the Bintang Jasa Utama (highest civilian honor for a foreigner).
Kashmir Operations
During the 1947 Kashmir conflict, he airlifted Indian troops in civilian aircraft to defend Srinagar.
Political Career
First Term as Chief Minister (1961-1963)
Key achievements:
- ✦Established Paradeep Port — Odisha's gateway to the world
- ✦Founded Regional Engineering College (now NIT Rourkela)
- ✦Built Express Highways
- ✦Started Kalinga Airlines
- ✦Established Kalinga Tubes (industrialization)
Second Term (1990-1995)
At age 74, returned to transform Odisha:
- ✦Panchayati Raj reforms — Power to villages
- ✦33% 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
He believed in self-reliance and wanted Odisha to industrialize without depending on the center.
Philosophy
His famous beliefs:
"If you don't take risks, you won't achieve anything."
"Odisha has everything — minerals, coast, fertile land. What it lacks is willpower."
"Women's empowerment is not charity, it's necessity."
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 has been Chief Minister since 2000, making the Patnaik family the most influential in Odishan politics.
International Recognition
- ✦Indonesia — National Hero status
- ✦India — Padma Bhushan (declined)
- ✦USSR — Order of Lenin (for flying missions)
Famous Story
When asked why he flew dangerous missions, he allegedly said:
"I fly because the ground is boring."
Remembering Biju Babu
Every year on March 5, Odisha celebrates Biju Jayanti:
- ✦Schools and offices commemorate him
- ✦Political leaders pay tribute
- ✦Stories of his courage are retold
Related: History of Odisha • Notable People