New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said that the contribution of late Odisha CM Biju Patnaik is important for the creation of the nation and his life is a source of inspiration for the people of the country.
"Late Biju ji was a person who not only contributed for the freedom struggle of India but also participated in the freedom struggle of two other countries, Indonesia and Russia. The image of 'Biju Babu' has been that of a courageous patriot," Odisha CM said in a pre-recorded virtual message on behalf of the Delhi Flying Club during the commemoration program held here to mark the 105th birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik.
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Sasmit Patra recalled the courageous episodes of late Patnaik's patriotism and said, "When the tribal army of Pakistan invaded Kashmir, it was late Biju Ji who took 18 soldiers of the country with him in the plane to Kashmir and thwarted the attack of Pakistan. This is one of the major reasons that Kashmir is an integral part of India today."
Born on March 5, 1916, Biju Patnaik, was a skilled pilot, who was trained by the Delhi Flying Club and obtained a pilot's license from there. The Delhi Flying Club announced to celebrate his birth anniversary every year as 'Legendary Indian Pilot Day'.
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