BIJU PATTNAIK

Sri  Bijayananda Pattanaik (Biju Babu) had taken his birth  in an aristocratic  family on 5th March,1916.  From the very beginning  of his childhood he was in the attempt to safe guard  the prestige  of Utkal Pradesh in all respects. His role in the freedom movement  is unforgetable and well remain as an example for the next generation for all the times to come.  His father was Laxmi Narayana Pattanaik  and mother was Ashalata Ray.  He was courageous and  very kind hearted.  The word impossible had not found place in his heart. He was  deeply impressed with the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi.  While he was a student of Revenshaw Collegiate School at Cuttack he joined hands with  Mahatma  Gandhi  to  remove  British  rule  from India. Subsequently,  Biju Babu became Pilot of Indian Air Force and earned great deal  of reputation   for  his   adventure  during   freedom movement. The Indonesia  Government had honoured him with " Bhumi Putra " (son of soil)  title.   During  his  study at Revenshaw  College  he  was atheletic  champion  for three times.  Still then he had  not  bowed down his  head  before  the British Rulers.  In 1961 he  became  the Chief Minister of Orissa.  During his Chief Ministership, Orissa had improved  lavishly in all respects.  Paradeep Port and Daitari Mines were his greatest contribution for Orissa.  Besides, Mr.Biju Patnaik will be  remembered  always  for having established  OUAT,  Regional Education  College,  Regional  Research Centre,  Sainika  School  at Bhubaneswar, Rourkella Engineering College, Mig Factory at Sunabeda.He  started  his  career  in Politics in  1946  and  hold  the following posts of different times as follows.

        1952 - M.L.A. Bhanjanagar     
        1957 - M.L.A.,Jagannath Prasad
        1961 - Chief Minister,Orissa  
        1968 - M.P.Rajya Sabha
        1974 - Opposion leader     
        1977 - Minister,Steel & Mines, Govt.of India
        1980 - M.P.,
        1985 - Opposition Leader,State
        1990 - Chief Minister, Orissa
         to 1995

Biju  Babu is always remembered for his sense of  Nationality. Till last  breath of his life, he was worried for Oriyas prosperity. During  his last 50 years of political career he had not only earned World wide  reputation  but  also  he  became  the  victim  of  many criticism.   He  had dedicated his entire life not only  for  Orissa State but also for the whole country.