Bhubaneswar, 21 April (H.S.): The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Sunday commemorated the 10th death anniversary of eminent literary figure and former Odisha Chief Minister and Assam Governor, Late Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, with a solemn tribute ceremony held at Congress Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. The event was presided over by Dr. Arya Kumar Gyanendra, President of the State Congress Seva Dal.

The ceremony began with floral tributes to a portrait of Janaki Babu, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony conducted by senior journalist Pradosh Patnaik, academician Dr. Buddhadeb Mishra, and Dr. Asit Mahanti.

Delivering the keynote address, Pradosh Patnaik recalled Janaki Patnaik's lifelong commitment to Odisha’s all-round development. He was deeply empathetic toward the suffering of the common people and led the state through the devastating 1982 floods with remarkable leadership. His tenure witnessed the beginnings of an industrial revolution in Odisha, he noted. “Much of the progress we see in Odisha today is a realization of his dreams.”

Dr. Mishra and Dr. Mahanti emphasized one of Patnaik’s most cherished wishes: to bring the Bhagavad into every household in Odisha. “Fulfilling this vision today would be the greatest tribute to him,” they said.

Former MP Ananta Prasad Sethi, in his welcome address, highlighted Patnaik’s role in developing Bhubaneswar and promoting Odia identity. He credited Patnaik for institutionalizing the use of the Odia language across government departments during his administration.

The event saw the participation of several prominent Congress leaders, including former PCC President Niranjan Patnaik, Jaydev Jena, former MP Dr. Ram Chandra Khuntia, former minister Suresh Kumar Routray, and senior leaders Shivananad Ray, Rajani Mahanti, Manoj Rath, and Sipra Mallik.

Speakers remembered Janaki Patnaik as a symbol of patience and visionary leadership. “He believed in empowering the youth and gave them responsibilities that nurtured a new generation of leaders,” they said. His landmark initiatives like ‘1000 industries in 1000 days’ and easy credit access for farmers and small traders were highlighted as enduring examples of his developmental foresight.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Rajani Mahanti, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries and party workers who gathered to pay homage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda