Umarkote: The 28th death anniversary of the great leader, former Chief Minister and founder of the Biju Janata Dal, Biju Patnaik, was observed at the Biju Patnaik Children’s Park in Umarkote. This day was celebrated not only by Odias living in various parts of the world but also by the people of Odisha. In the Nabarangpur district, especially in the tribal-majority Umarkote Municipality, the event was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Nabarangpur Ex MP Ramesh Chandra Majhi participated as the chief guest and paid tribute to Biju Patnaik by singing his praises. He recalled how Biju Patnaik had been honored with citizenship awards from three countries, including India, and flags of these countries, along with the flag of Lord Jagannath and the Biju Janata Dal, were flown during his memorial ceremony. Majhi emphasized that such an honor had never been bestowed on anyone before.
The event was organized under the leadership of BJD city president Kailash Nayak, and was attended by local dignitaries including Umarkote’s municipal chairperson Radha Bhatra, former Raighar Panchayat Samiti chairperson Naveen Nayak, senior lawyer and BJD leader Jhadreshwar Mahanti, senior lawyer and BJD leader Tapan Debnath, BJD state secretary and engineer Chandana Mallik, and BJD leader Buji Rao. Tapan Debnath, the president of the district Bangiya Samaj, remarked that no one could ever match the greatness of Biju Patnaik.
All Biju Patnaik admirers present at the event offered floral tributes and sang his praises.