OdishaLIVE Bureau
Two time Odisha CM and Former Union Minister Biju Patnaik described a class apart by guests at a Book Presentation Ceremony to commemorate the Stalwart
‘The Tall Man Biju Patnaik’, a special coffee table book on the magnanimous personality of Biju Pantaik was presented at a special function held Yashwantrao Chavan Pratisthan Auditorium, near Mantralaya, Mumbai. The renowned statesman from Odisha whose deeds and acts far transcended National and International boundaries is a hero for many a generation to come.
The programme was held to a packed audience consisting of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Indian classical flautist Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, eminent Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgeon and MD of Asian Heart Institute Padma Bhushan Dr. Ramakanta Panda, Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Mr. Arup Patnaik , and Dr. Santrupt B. Misra, Director, Global HR & CEO, Carbon Black Business at Aditya Birla Group.
At the beginning of the function, a short film on the life and times of Biju Patnaik was played amid awe and applause from the audience. The book which was available for sale at the venue saw many picking up the unique and collective publication. Further, the book was unveiled by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and a copy was presented to all the guests.
The book vibrantly talks about the illustrious life and times of Biju Patnaik and has been written by Sundar Ganesan. The book delves on the daredevil acts, revolutionary role in freedom struggle and contribution to major world events including the untold stories about the celebrated leader.
The book was reviewed by renowned author Subroto Bagchi who is the current Chairperson of Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA). He heaped praise on the courageous nature of Biju Patnaik and hailed him as a visionary leader whom everyone chose to follow. He went on to personify Biju Patnaik as an Exemplar of Leadership and an epitome of selflessness by saying that Biju Babu never cared for fame or personal glory. He also mentioned how two world class news magazines like The New York Times and the Economist eulogized Biju babu in their obituary as a true patriot and a forward thinking man.
Santrupt B Misra, Director, Global HR & CEO, Carbon Black Business at Aditya Birla Group defined Biju Patnaik in only 6 words Swapna 2. Sahasa 3. Sankalpa, 4. Sanjoga, 5. Srusti and 6. Sarthak meaning a man who dreamt of a prosperous and glorious Odisha and worked till his last breath to fulfill his dream while being very humble about it despite achieving a mountain of accolades.
Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik recalled “Biju Babu was the classmate of my father Late Bhubanmohan Patnaik from Ravenshaw College. In my college days, when I was studying in Rajasthan, not many people were aware about Odisha. But when you take the name of Biju Patnaik, they recognize. He was a big name and synonymous with the identity of state.”
Padma Bhushan Dr. Ramakanta Panda reiterated “Biju Babu was a hero for us when we were in our school and college days. He will continue to be a hero for the future generations. He was always an inspiration for me and I am sure, he would be the same for millions of Odias”
Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia started his speech in Odia with thunderous applause. He reminisced about his first encounter with Biju Babu when he was invited to perform at Kalinga Tubes Company. “Biju Babu was a great music lover. He was an inspiration for many artists like me”, he added.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, the son of Biju Patnaik recollected Biju Babu’s dream that Odias should prosper and bring glory to Odisha, wherever they may be. “I am very happy to see Odias of Mumbai present here in a large number. Striving to bring laurels to Odisha and establish a prosperous Odisha while restoring ancient Kalingan splendor would be the best tribute to Biju Patnaik” he pronounced.
It is tough to capture the life of a tall man like Biju Patnaik in just 184 pages of a book. He explained it as a monumental book. “Biju babu is an idea in continuity. An idea of Odia pride, which cannot be done so easily”, he further remarked while thanking the writer and the publisher for the great initiative.
The Odia Communities and Associations living in Mumbai and nearby, corporate leaders, bureaucrats, policy makers, media personalities and a large section of Odisha’s political leadership attended the function and were happy to recollect the memories of their great leader whose deeds still inspire millions of Odias across the globe.
