The Saga of Biju Patnaik
Category
Politics
Era / Tenure
Active Era
Leaderboard Rank
#8 in Politics
Verified Hearts
47,022 Hearts
ORIGINS & FORMATIVE YEARS
Roots, Upbringing & Early Influences
Born in Cuttack in 1916, Patnaik was a daring young aviator who joined the Royal Indian Air Force. During World War II, he flew perilous underground sorties, air-dropping freedom literature to Indian troops and secretly ferrying national leaders away from British surveillance.
THE STRUGGLE & HARDSHIPS
Facing Adversity, Rejections & The Grind
During the Indonesian National Revolution in 1947, Patnaik undertook a legendary mission under hostile Dutch naval fire, flying a twin-engine Dakota into Java to rescue Indonesian Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta, landing safely in New Delhi.
Key Milestone & Career Defining Moment
During World War II, he flew perilous underground sorties, air-dropping freedom literature to Indian troops and secretly ferrying national leaders away from British surveillance.
