TNI Bureau: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Odisha’s legendary leader Biju Patnaik for his crucial role in Indonesia’s Independence movement during his address to the Indonesian Parliament.

In a special mention, the Prime Minister recalled Biju Patnaik’s daring evacuation mission in 1947.

Patnaik transported supplies and aid to Indonesian resistance fighters, helped train Indonesian aviation personnel, and facilitated diplomatic engagement between India and Indonesia.

In July 1947, Patnaik and his co-pilot wife, Gyanwati Patnaik, flew a Dakota aircraft to Indonesia in July 1947 and safely brought Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta to New Delhi for a confidential meeting with Indian leaders to garner support for Indonesia’s independence struggle.

For his contributions to the Indonesian independence movement, Indonesia granted him the honorary citizenship and awarded Patnaik with the Bhoomi Putra (Son of the Soil) award, described as one of Indonesia’s highest honors.

Highlighting the historic maritime and cultural bonds between India and Indonesia, PM Modi also spoke about Bali Jatra and the ancient trade ties between erstwhile Kalinga and Indonesia.