Panibudi Bhoi, the first man from western Odisha to join the Indian Army in 1953, is no more. He passed away at the age of 85 on Friday night at his native village Naghapali in Attabira block in Bargarh district.
He fought in the India-China war in 1962, India-Pakistan war in 1965 and again the India-Pakistan war for liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. “All the times, he did a heroic performance,” recalls the Association of Retired Army Personnel of Bargarh district.
For his bravery, he was honoured with Raksha Medal in 1965 and Sainya Seva Medal in 1971. In 1974, he was honoured for his long tenure of service in defence service. On 26 January 2008, the district administration had also felicitated him.
Bhoi kept quite active even after retirement through various social services. He was also the president of the Bargarh District Retired Army Officials’ Association. He is survived by a son and two daughters.