Syllabus: 

GS 1: Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Context: 

Recently, Russia had honour former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on Victory Day which was celebrated on May 9.  

More on the News

• The Russian embassy in New Delhi had invited Naveen Patnaik to attend a special reception in recognition of his father’s bravery on the Eastern Front during World War II.
• This year marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War, which is known as the Great Patriotic War in the Soviet Union.

Early Life and Profession of Biju Patnaik 

• He was born on March 5, 1916, in Cuttack, Odisha.
• His full name being Biju Patnaik was Bijayananda Patnaik. He dropped his B.Sc. Degree to start training as a pilot at the Aeronautic Training Institute of India, Delhi Flying Club.
• Patnaik joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936, where he mainly flew supply and transport aircraft like the Dakota (Douglas C-47 Skytrain).
• He was a renowned aviator, freedom fighter and later became a politician.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

• Biju Patnaik began his journey as a freedom fighter in 1942 by actively participating in the Quit India Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. 
• He emerged as a prominent figure in the Congress movement alongside leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. 
• Later, in 1943, he was imprisoned for nearly two years for his involvement in the movement. 
• Aruna Asaf Ali, recalling his contribution, noted that among the many who rose to the occasion, Biju Patnaik, then Chief Pilot of Dalmia-Jain Airways, stood out for his fearlessness and efforts in mobilizing fellow pilots.

Role in World War II

• During World War II, as Imperial Japan advanced in Southeast Asia, Biju Patnaik flew several rescue missions, evacuating British officials and their families, especially from Rangoon. 
• He also conducted supply flights to support China’s Chiang Kai-Shek and contributed to Soviet efforts during the Battle of Stalingrad.
• Although exact details of the operation are unclear, Biju Patnaik was likely among the Allied pilots who risked flying through German attacks to deliver supplies to the Red Army in Stalingrad.

Battle of Stalingrad:  

• The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the most significant and brutal battles of World War II, fought between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
• Stalingrad, now Volgograd, is a major industrial city on the Volga River in Southern Russia.
• Hitler aimed to capture Stalingrad for its industrial value and symbolic importance. Stalin ordered the city to be defended at all costs.
• Intense urban warfare, with brutal house-to-house fighting. 
• The Soviets launched a counteroffensive (Operation Uranus) in November 1942, encircling the German 6th Army.
• General Paulus of Germany surrendered on January 30, 1943, and by February, the Red Army had fully recaptured Stalingrad, taking around 100,000 German soldiers’ prisoner. 
• This major defeat marked a turning point in World War II, ending the German advance in the East.
• The Red Army gained strength and pushed steadily westward over the next two and a half years, eventually reaching Berlin on May 2, 1945.
• Germany formally surrendered on May 9, a date still celebrated as Victory Day in Russia.

Indonesian Freedom Struggle:

• Indonesia gained independence in 1945, but faced a Dutch military offensive in 1947, during which Sjahrir was placed under house arrest. 
• At Nehru's request, Biju Patnaik flew Sjahrir and Hatta out of Java despite Dutch threats and later carried them to India.
• For his bravery, he was honored with Indonesian citizenship, the title ‘Bhoomi Putra’, and the ‘Bintang Jasa Utama’ award.

Kalinga Foundation

• He set up the Kalinga Foundation for the propagation of knowledge in science. He also established the Kalinga Prize for Promoting scientific knowledge.
• The prize, awarded by UNESCO every year, is measured as a prestigious award by the international scientific community.
• Like Nehru, Biju ardently advocated inculcating scientific temper in the minds of the people.
• The former Odisha CM had also founded the Kalinga Airlines that operated the Dakota planes in the early years of Independence. These planes played a significant role in Indonesia. 
• In 1953, Kalinga Airlines merged with the Indian Airlines. 

Political Contribution

• He was elected to the Orissa Legislative Assembly in 1952, 1957, 1961. 
• He became Chief Minister during the period from 1961 to 63 and resigned under the “Kamraj plan.” 
• He was elected to Parliament in 1977 and Cabinet Minister of the Central Ministry from 1977 to 1979.