Biju Patnaik was a true nationalist and a legend. He dreamt big. “Whenever I come to the land of lord Jagannath, I fondly remember him,” said former President Pranab Mukherjee unveiling a book titled ‘The Tall Man Biju Patnaik’, written by Sundar Ganeshan, at a function organised by the Biju Patnaik Birth Centenary Committee here on Saturday.
Mukherjee said, “When I received the invitation from the Chief Minister for release of the book, I was little apprehensive. A short man like me to unveil a book on the tall man! Because of the largeness of his (Biju Patnaik’s) heart, I came closer to him. I pay my homage to him,’ he said.
“I congratulate the author for the old pictures he has collected and the pains he took to collect the information which is unknown,” Mukherjee added.
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda said Biju Patnaik was known to do impossible things. He was a kingmaker, a visionary and a very good administrator. He made the Chief Minister of Karnataka and the Prime Minister of the country. He brought the administration to the doorsteps of the people. Though a towering personality, he thought for the downtrodden people.
Gowda said the Government of India should confer the Bharat Ratna on Bijubabu, which he greatly deserves.
Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister lK Advani said, “I have gone to many book unveiling ceremonies but never seen a better book unveiling ceremony like this one. I have never felt so satisfied and proud. I congratulate those who thought of this book for the legendary leader.”
CPI(M) secretary general Sitaram Yechury said, “We have grown up hearing the great deeds of Bijubabu. His mission was to restore the glory of Kalinga. He wanted a modern India with secular credentials. Naveen Patnaik is carrying on his legacy forward wonderfully.”
Political observer Prabhu Chawla said Bijubabu was a real national leader but never got national headlines. He was not only a tall man but a colossus. He is a true patriot with an international outlook. He took no nonsense from anyone.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Bijubabu is admired by people cutting across party lines. He is the upholder of Odisha’s self-esteem; and he continues to inspire us.”
However, some of the leaders of opposition parties like Narasingha Mishra, Bijay Mohapatra and Dilip Ray were absent at the function though they had been invited.
The function, though apparently non-political, gave a significant mileage to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) with the attendance of some of the top national leaders.