The late Chief Minister Janaki Ballav Patnaik was a versatile personality with depth knowledge in subjects like language, art, literature and culture. He was probably the second person after Dr Harekrushna Mahtab to have deep understanding and authority on these subjects. This was observed by Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhushan Hraichandan while inaugurating a JB Patnaik memorial meeting marking the leader’s sixth death anniversary here in virtual mode on Wednesday.
Harichandan said that during his 14 years’ tenure as CM, Patnaik had contributed immensely in bringing development in sectors like industry, agriculture, education, health, transport and tourism.The meeting, which was chaired by Dr Bimalendu Mohanty, witnessed participation of 283 intellectuals and people with eminence from across the world. Former Vice-Chancellor Harekrushna Satpathy described the late Patnaik also as a man with spiritual values.
General secretary of JB Patnaik Memorial Committee Aryakumar Jnanendra cited fond memories of his 40 years’ association with the former Chief Minister.
In another memorial meeting here organised by the NiladIrvihar Youth and Cultural Association (NYCA), rich tributes were also paid to JB Patnaik by members of the organisation, senior citizens and prominent people. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of association president Dr Prakash Chandra Panigrahy where participants recalled Patnaik’s contributions to the State’s development. Panigrahy highlighted Patnaik’s association with the NYCA and remembered how the late Chief Minister was appreciative of its efforts for promoting art and culture. Patnaik was the chief guest at the 8th birth anniversary of the association.
The association demanded that Bharat Ratna be conferred upon the late leader. Among others, who attended the meeting, were NYCA general secretary Biswajit Patnaik and members Prakash Sahu, Gadadhar Rath, Niranjan Sahu and Narayan Pratap Ray.