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Home , Biju Patnaik

February - March - 2012 Review

A Different Freedom Fighter, Biju

Gurukalyan Mahapatra

Biju Patnaik, during his formative years, was highly versatility and daredevilry. According to him, Biju influenced by Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das and Dada, became a living legend in his young life. Utkalmani Gopababdhu Das. He was also attracted by Mahatma Gandhi which led him to When Biju was working for Royal Air the freedom struggle for this Force, his house was the nation. centre for underground freedom struggle. Dr.Ram He took active part Manohar Lohia, Jay Prakash in Quit Movement of Naryan Aurana Asaf Ali and 1942, along with Aruna Asaf other socialists used to Ali and other socialists and launch their struggle from was involved in underground ’s house. Even activities against the British Biju carried them by plane to rulers. He was imprisoned various destinations. Biju by the then British was not only an pilot, but Government from 1943 to was head of Transport 1946 and detained in Red Command of the Royal Air Fort, New , Ferozpur, Force of Southern Asia of Lahore and etc jails. Britishers. Several times, Biju narrowly escaped He was brave. His death while in plane. flying skills were highly appreciated. He landed the A noted trade union plane boldly which boarded leader and former Defence first platoon of soldiers in Minister Mr.George Srinagar against the Pakistani radars in 1947. The Fernandes, thus remembered Biju, ‘He made a first Prime Minister of this country, Pandit significant contribution in 1942 movement and at affectionately used to call Biju the last of the movement, when he was arrested; as ‘India’s buccaneer’. Former Prime Minister, he escaped from the death sentence. It is not Mr.I.K.Gujiral recalling Biju, admitted his necessary to discuss right now as to how he

47 Odisha Review February-March - 2012 managed to escape. It was his luck and luck of was the result of the qualities he had developed the country that he managed to escape for he had as a pilot during the Freedom Struggle. yet to deliver many things for the country. Biju Patnaik was known for his patriotism After independence the emergency was and bravery not only in India, but also abroad. declared in this country and many leaders were He was associated with the Indonesia Freedom in jail. Mr. , a veteran leader Movement and was honoured by the Indonesian (also former Prime Minister) in his condolence Government and got the title as Bhumi Putra (Son references in the Parliament on 21st April, 1997, of the Soil). At the risk of his life he had then mentioned. ‘I also got the opportunity to work brought the Indonesian Premier Mr.Sultan Saharir with him for a brief time-period, however, I shall to by plane during the Freedom always carry this regret that I did not get the Struggle in Indonesia. After our independence Biju opportunity of being in his company at the time was closely associated with the Nepalese when he was put in Rohtak jail during the Democratic Movement in 1953. emergency. Those who were with him in prison relate how he bone all the hardships in the prison Biju Pattnaik’s role as a freedom fighter stoically and as a good companion helped the other should be written in our Indian history as he was inmates to pass that crucial time… A Prison in associated with the building of the fortunes of this such a place where the true personality of a country. person comes to the fore and his real nature comes out. Shri Pilu Modi was also in the same prison as Biju Babu. Both were from rich families and were used to high standard of life. But when they were imprisoned, they did not air any Gurukalyan Mahapatra, Qrs. No. VA 29/3, Unit – II, grievances to make any complaints. Probably this – 751009.

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