Biju Patnaik
March 5th 2020 marked the 104th birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik. On the occasion, the PM shared an Intelligence Bureau document highlighting his contributions to the freedom movement.
About Biju Patnaik
Biju Patnaik was the two time Chief Minister of Odisha. He was born in 1916 in Orissa, British India. He is noted for his contributions to the freedom struggle in India and also in Indonesia. He is also a noted aviator and businessman.
Title ‘Bhoomiputra’
Biju Patnaik, in 1948, flew to Indonesia on a Dakota aircraft and landed on an improvised airstrip near Jakarta. He helped evacuate prominent rebel leaders like Sultan Shariyar and Achmad Sukarno, who were fighting their Dutch colonisers. In recognition of his contributions to the Indonesian cause, he was conferred the title of ‘Bhoomiputra’ and an honorary citizenship.
Kalinga Prize
In 1951, Biju Patnaik established the Kalinga Prize for promotion of science and technology. It was established using a donation from Patnaik as the founder of Kalinga Foundation Trust. Louis de Broglie, the discoverer of dual nature of matter, was the first recipient of the prize.
