Biju Patnaik (1916-1997)
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | March 5, 1999 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 3 |
| Quantity | 700,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1677 Stamp Number IN 1738 Yvert et Tellier IN 1444 Stanley Gibbons IN 1840 |
| Themes | Businessman | Commemoration | Famous people | Men | Optical Instruments | Politicians | Ships |
Table of Contents
Biju Patnaik (1916-1997)
Biju Patnaik (1916-1997) was a prominent Indian leader known for his significant contributions to India’s independence movement, his wartime heroics, and his development efforts in Orissa (now Odisha). Here’s an overview of his life and achievements:
Biju Patnaik: Overview
- Early Life and Education:
- Birth: 1916, into an influential family involved in social reform.
- Early Influence: Encountered Mahatma Gandhi in Cuttack in 1927, which ignited his interest in the independence movement.
- Wartime Contributions:
- World War II:
- Utilized his flying skills to support the war effort.
- Evacuation Missions: Evacuated women and children from Burma and flew missions into China during the Japanese invasion.
- Russian Theatre: Participated in operations in the Russian theatre of war.
- Independence Movement:
- Quit India Movement (1942): Actively participated and was imprisoned from 1942 to 1946.
- Post-War Contributions: Rescued Indonesian resistance leaders by breaching the Dutch blockade and assisted in the defense of Kashmir during the early days of independence.
- Development Work in Orissa:
- Industrial Contributions:
- Established Orissa’s first textile mills, iron ore, and manganese mines.
- Played a key role in setting up three universities in the state.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Instrumental in the creation of Paradeep Port, Asia’s largest man-made deep-water port.
- Kalinga Prize: Established one of the most distinguished international science awards.
- Political Career:
- Positions Held:
- Chairman of the State Planning Board.
- Union Cabinet Minister.
- Chief Minister of Orissa (1961-63, 1990-95).
Stamp Details:
- Purpose: To honor Biju Patnaik’s contributions and legacy as a leading figure in India’s post-independence era.
- Design Elements:
- Likely includes imagery of Paradeep Port, which symbolizes his contributions to industrial and infrastructure development.
Biju Patnaik’s life reflects a blend of adventurous spirit, patriotism, and vision for development, making him a distinguished leader in modern Indian history.