Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik unveils father Biju’s iconic Dakota aircraft for public display

Join the people of #Odisha in paying tributes to Biju Patnaik, the architect of modern Odisha on his birth anniversary. Iconic #Dakota Aircraft resembles his bravery & heroics. Generations to come will be inspired by the bravery and selfless service of #BijuBabu. pic.twitter.com/OZ6OTr2XNs

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 5, 2023

An official statement issued by the state’s commerce and transport department said Biju Patnaik used this aircraft to rescue former Indonesian vice-president Md Hatta and former prime minister Sutan Sjahrir. Biju, for his effort, was given honorary citizenship of Indonesia and awarded the title of ‘Bhumi Putra’ by the Indonesian government, a recognition rarely granted to a foreigner.

Bhubaneswar-based historian Anil Dhir, who has written a book on the iconic Odia personality, disputed the claim that this particular aircraft was not used to rescue the Indonesian leaders.

Odisha’s commerce and transport secretary Usha Padhee said since the aircraft was closely associated with the late Biju Patnaik, it would resemble the state’s rich aviation history, which would be a befitting tribute to one of the most iconic personalities of Odisha.

“The youths will see the Dakota aircraft as a memento of Biju Patnaik’s bravery and heroics and get inspiration,” Padhee told reporters.

The Odisha chief minister, who completed 23 years in office on Sunday, also visited western Odisha districts — Bargarh, Nuapada and Kalahandi — to dedicate the Sohela-Kalahandi stretch of Biju Expressway, one of the key infrastructure projects that connect the western parts of the state with southern region. He also launched development projects worth Rs 3,000 crore in the three districts.

“Biju Expressway is not just a road. It’s the lifeline for the people of the region. The road will hugely benefit the farmers, students and the general public. It will strengthen the healthcare system in the pocket. Economic activities will increase. New industries will come up,” said the chief minister, who addressed multiple rallies.

Naveen Patnaik said an economic corridor had been set up along the Biju Expressway, benefitting ten districts in the region.

The chief minister also held two roadshows in Bargarh, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts. Hundreds of people along the way showered Patnaik with flower petals and chanted slogans in his support.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary. “On his birth anniversary, I pay homage to Biju Babu, a remarkable leader and institution builder. He was a dynamic and multifaceted personality who made an unparalleled contribution towards Odisha’s progress. His role in fighting the Emergency is also notable,” tweeted the Prime Minister.

On his birth anniversary, I pay homage to Biju Babu, a remarkable leader and institution builder. He was a dynamic and multifaceted personality who has made an unparalleled contribution towards Odisha’s progress. His role in fighting the Emergency is also notable.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2023

Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal, a party named after Biju Patnaik, also observed the day across the state.