Features

Commemorative issue

Biju Patnaik Birth Centenary

Obverse

Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar, denomination below.

Lettering:
भारत INDIA
सत्यमेव जयते
₹ 5

Translation: Truth alone triumphs

Reverse

Bust of Biju Patnaik at the centre.

Lettering:
बिजु पटनायक जन्मशती
1916-2016
BIJU PATNAIK BIRTH CENTENARY

Edge

100 Serrations

Comments

Bijayananda Patnaik, popularly known as Biju Patnaik was born on 5th March 1916 at Cuttack, Odisha as one of the third sons of Lakshminarayan and Ashalata Patnaik. Biju Patnaik was a legend in the Indian Politics. He played a significant role in the struggle for freedom. In 1943, Biju was sent to prison for about two years for participating in the Quit India movement. He served the country for more than six decades. People lovingly called him the “Hero of Kalinga” and the Kharavela of Kalinga. His mission was the emancipation from poverty and negligence. Biju Patnaik was the architect of Paradip Port. It was at his initiative that the port was inaugurated by Pandit Nehru. He also founded the Kalinga Prize for promoting scientific knowledge in science.

During his eventful political career, he served the nation as a Union Minister for about three years. He was the Chief Minister of Odisha for about seven years and a half, in two terms.

He had a multifaceted personality a freedom fighter, a pilot, an Industrialist, a Politician, Chief Minister of a state and Union Minister, all combined into one. His life is an extraordinary saga of adventure and sacrifice, velour and dedication. Biju Patnaik closed his eyes on 17th April 1997 and is remembered as a crusader against poverty.