Biju Patnaik was an extraordinary man with extraordinary gifts. He had inexhaustible energy, the ability to inspire people, and an enduring ability to foster trust between people. As an industrialist, aviator, politician and philanthropist who also held significant public office. Additionally, he became well known freedom fighter who looked up to Napoleon for inspiration.

Biju broke several Indian track and field records early on, giving him the charisma to become an effective political leader. Biju first tasted success after leading his party to victory in 1946 elections for North Cuttack Sadar constituency; following this he launched Kalinga Tubes – Asia’s largest pipe manufacturing plant at that time – which would later become one of his flagship industries in Choudwar.

As a leader, he was immensely successful and led his party to numerous victories. However, he never felt at ease with how the Congress Party was managed; disillusioned with its brand of politics at its center, he broke away in 1970 to found Utkal Congress – an alternative regional party which provided his base.

Pandit Nehru trusted him and allowed him free access to Teen Murti Bhawan. When Chinese aggression occurred, Nehru asked Patnaik to advise him on defense matters and visit America as an advisor of Ministry of External Affairs advising their Ministry on defense matters with American officials. During these visits he also discussed sensitive defense matters with them directly.

Biju’s life after this point was marked with both success and disappointments, eventually culminating in his death on 17 April 1997 in Delhi; cremation took place near Lord Jagannath’s temple in Puri.

After Biju’s death, his son Naveen Patnaik assumed leadership of Odisha as Chief Minister and has carried forward his legacy – creating one of the fastest growing States nationwide. Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar and several institutes bearing his name stand as testaments to the legendary leader’s contributions to his state. Odisha residents have demanded Bharat Ratna as recognition of his exceptional contributions to India’s freedom movement and nation-building, making a fitting tribute to one of their legendary leaders if this request is granted; we hope to see his name appear amongst these esteemed recipients shortly! We fervently hope it happens.