BJP MlA and former Union Minister Dilip Ray has once again urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take appropriate steps for conferment of Bharat Ratna on Biju Patnaik.
“The State Government passed a resolution on December 16, 2015 seeking the highest civilian honour for the architect of modern Odisha, Biju Patnaik. I take this opportunity to remind you and seek your earnest interference to expedite the process of conferring Bharat Ratna on Patnaik ahead of his birth centenary celebrations in 2016,” Ray mentioned in a letter to Modi.
Ray reminded the Prime Minister that he had met him and made this special request on March 18, 2015,
“As is known to all, late Biju Patnaik was one of the rare breed of leaders whose field of action was not confined to the State or national territories, but transcended to the international theatre. Although he engaged himself with the civilian political activities, his aviation prowess pulled him into many military operations authorised by various Governments where his exploits became a part of the modern folklore. He was awarded the highest civilian honor of Indonesia ‘Bhumi Putra” for his heroic contribution to that country. He proved himself to be a leader having a vision for the whole humanity when he instituted the prestigious Kalinga Award in Unesco which is conferred every year on eminent scientists of the world. His multi-faceted personality, daredevilry, vision and his contribution to the country makes a fit case for conferment of Bharat Ratna on this eminent son of the soil,” pleaded Ray.
He further mentioned that people irrespective of their political affiliations and ideologies in the State are united in their voice demanding Bharat Ratna for the great leader.