New Delhi: Former Orissa chief minister late Biju Patnaik’s birth centenary was celebrated at a gala event in the national capital Sunday. While extolling his virtues, Vice President Hamid Ansari told a large conglomeration of Oriyas here that the vibrant legacy left behind by the luminary continues to inspire people.
“There was a generation of leaders who played a role across national borders in service of good causes. Biju Patnaik was one such leader. His international profile was such that in a rare occurrence national flags of three nations- India, Indonesia and the USSR were draped on his body at his funeral. His legacy continues to inspire us,” he said.
“He strongly believed in socialism and federalism. He felt that unless the constituent states progress on equitable levels, India could not become strong. He had a vision for the growth and development of his beloved Orissa. He believed that the backbone of the country was a strong peasantry and wanted modernisation of agriculture,” he added.
The birth centenary celebration was attended by Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, former Supreme Court justice AK Patnaik, a majority of BJD MPs, state ministers, party leaders and prominent Oriyas.
“As a lawyer for Biju babu for 20 years I saw three significant virtues of the legendry leader which included immense love for his state, compassion for the poor and the quality of a natural leader. I lately realised that he despite being a successful entrepreneur, left business and joined politics only to serve the people,” said Justice Patnaik.
The Orissa CM said, “Biju babu during his regime toiled hard to mitigate the plights of farmers, provided reservation to women at panchayat levels and worked towards their empowerment and paved a way for state’s progress.”
Talking about the present, Patnaik added, “Now Orissa’s growth rate is greater than the national average. United Nation applauded initiatives taken by the state during cyclone Phailin. We have promised to double the farmers’ income and construct 11 lakh pucca houses for the poor.”
Dhenkanal MP and Biju Patnaik birth centenary celebration committee convenor Tathagata Satpahty said, “Biju babu was a true leader of Orissa. He had been the mascot of the state. I am glad to see Oriya people from all class living in Delhi coming forward to pay their tribute to Biju babu.”
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