Anand Bhawan, the birthplace of late former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik here, was dedicated to the people of Odisha on Tuesday. The late leader’s two sons Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his elder brother Prem Patnaik dedicated the house after signing documents at the district Collector’s office here in the presence of the Sub-Registrar. Among others, Prem Patnaik’s son Arun was also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said the Anand Bhawan would be used as a museum, a library and a place of learning. “I feel extremely happy after dedicating the birthplace of my father to the people of the State,” said Prem Patnaik. The State Government has decided to convert the Anand Bhawan to a tourist place and a museum. An official declaration to this effect would be made on the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik on March 5, sources said.
Biju Patnaik was born at the Anand Bhawan on March 5, 1916. He had spent his childhood days here with his father laxminarayan Patnaik and mother Ashalata Devi. He completed his school and college education while staying here. He later left the Anand Bhawan keeping it in charge of a caretaker following the death of his parents and stayed in Bhubaneswar after becoming Chief Minister. Naveen Patnaik was also born at the Anand Bhawan.