Mumbai/Bhubaneswar: Biju Babu is an idea in continuity, an idea of realising the breadth of human aspirations and an idea of Oriya self esteem, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a function in Mumbai Saturday.
Presenting a book titled ‘The Tall Man Biju Patnaik’, Naveen said, “Biju is an idea that was much ahead of his times – that will live forever and continue to inspire generations to come.”
Written by Sundar Ganesan, the book is a pictorial biography on the life and times of legendary politician Biju Patnaik.
Biju Babu was a person who transcended the boundaries of definition, he said, adding, “To capture ‘The Tall man’ in 180 pages is nearly impossible.”
While presenting a quick and brief review of the publication, Orissa Skill Development Authority Chairperson Subroto Bagchi said that Biju was a perfect example of leadership. He (Biju) was a supremely courageous leader and never bothered about personal glory.
Recalling that Biju Babu was the classmate of his father, former Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik said, “In my college days when I was studying in Rajasthan, many people were not aware about Orissa. But when we mentioned the name of Biju Patnaik they recognised him.”
Indian classical flutist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia remembered his first encounter with Biju when he was invited to perform at Biju Babu’s Kalinga Tubes Company. He said that Biju was a great music lover and was an inspiration for many artistes like him.