The recent celebration of Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary on 5th March has sparked a renewed interest in his immense contributions to India’s history. Known as a freedom fighter, Indian politician, aviator, businessman, and two-term Chief Minister of Odisha, his intriguing profile and significant actions during crucial moments in history, undoubtedly make Biju Patnaik (Bijayananda Patnaik) a pivotal figure in India’s story.
A Glance at Biju Patnaik’s Profile
Born on 5th March 1916, Bijayananda Patnaik, fondly referred to as Biju Patnaik, was not just a man of charisma but also substance. Renowned for his flying skills, he made his mark as an ace pilot when he joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936. His leadership skills shone through when he became the Chief Minister of Odisha, not once, but twice during his career.
Biju Patnaik’s Role in the Freedom Struggle
Patnaik’s journey as a freedom fighter started in 1942 when he joined the Quit India Movement under Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance. Quickly rising through the ranks, Patnaik became a significant Congress leader, collaborating with other prominent figures like Jay Prakash Narayan and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. His dedicated participation in the movement resulted in imprisonment for about two years in 1943. However, this did not deter him. Remarkably, he undertook covert missions, ferrying fellow fighters to secret meetings, airdropping leaflets supporting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army, and playing an instrumental role in World War II and the Kashmir War of 1948 as an Indian Air Force pilot.
Historic Contribution to Kashmir’s Integration
Biju Patnaik exhibited a fearlessness that stood out even amid the tense circumstances of 1947. On 27th October, following the tribal invasion from Pakistan in Kashmir, he courageously flew a DC-3 transport aircraft to Srinagar, aiding in the transportation of Sikh regiment soldiers.
Assisting Indonesian Freedom Struggle
Biju Patnaik’s valor extended beyond India’s borders when he actively aided the Indonesian Freedom Struggle. At the behest of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, he daringly flew to Java and facilitated the extraction of Sultan Sjahrir from Dutch controlled territory for a meeting in Delhi. In recognition of this audacious act, Indonesia bestowed upon him honorary citizenship along with their highest award, the ‘Bhoomi Putra’. This prestigious honor is seldom given to foreigners. In 1996, Biju Patnaik was posthumously awarded ‘Bintang Jasa Utma’, Indonesia’s highest national award.
Biju Patnaik’s life and legacy as a fearless leader, aviator, and freedom fighter remain indelibly imprinted in Indian history. His commendable actions not only contributed to India’s freedom struggle but also aided international efforts, earning him accolades and respect worldwide.
