Bhubaneswar: Today is the 11th death anniversary of Gyan Patnaik, wife of former chief minister and architect of modern Odisha, Biju Patnaik. Though Gyan Patnaik is remembered as the wife of Biju Patnaik, on her own she was one of the greatest women of India during the 1930s. Born in a Sikh family of Rawalpindi, Gyan was among the first few women Commercial Pilots of India. With her flamboyant personality and a down to earth attitude, Gyan came in contact with Biju Babu in the early 30s in Lahore and the relationship transformed into marriage.
From accompanying Biju Patnaik to his dare devil Indonesian sojourns to actively participate in Nepali Democratic movement in the 1950s, Gyan was always there with Biju Babu in his contribution to the country. With a passion for scientific knowledge, Gyan dedicated herself to the upliftment of the society through the Kalinga Foundation.
The great mother of the three siblings Prem, Geeta and Naveen, Gyan Patnaik’s life is an inspiration for the youth of today. Her influence on Naveen Patnaik’s life cannot be ignored. The development of Odisha is the outcome of the efforts of Biju Babu and it is today continuing under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik. And everywhere, we can see an inspiration of a lady – the legendary Gyan Patnaik.
When the world was severely out of balance due to historic oppression of faminine power, she was a beacon of hope for million of Odias by her sheer courage, tenacity of purpose and philanthropy.
The Newsroom pays tribute to the great mother…