At the Bhubaneswar Airport on Sunday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik put on a public exhibit his vintage Dakota airplane in honor of the 107th birthday of the eminent statesman Biju Patnaik.
Biju Patnaik International Airport
The Dakota DC-3 plane owned by ace pilot Biju Patnaik was relocated from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to the state capital of Odisha on January 18, 2023, where it underwent reconstruction before being displayed to the public at the Biju Patnaik International Airport.
Twelve days were needed for a 10-person crew from Aerospace Research Development to disassemble the aircraft and pack it properly for public exhibition. An official stated that a group of engineers, technicians and professionals put the disassembled aircraft back together.
Manoj Mishra, the IT secretary for the state of Odisha, who was a member of the group responsible for the iconic Dakota Aircraft’s refurbishment and restoration, stated in a statement: “For all of us, today is a very emotional day.
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Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
- We have heard numerous tales about the late Biju Patnaik ji, including how he traveled to Indonesia to save people and how he landed in Leh, Jammu, and Kashmir. In Odisha, we lacked a living representative of his daring.”
Mishra stated: “It was in pretty horrible shape when we picked up the Dakota from the airport in Kolkata. It is now a testament to Biju Babu’s daredevilry after being fully restored by us. When people witness him in person or hear about him in the media, it will inspire future generations.”
Anil Dhir, a well-known historian, claimed that this may be the first airport in the entire globe to have an airplane on display for visitors to see.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) provided the Dakota with 1.1 acres of land to be placed in front of the airport named for the illustrious leader before it was transported to Odisha. For this reason, a monument will be created.
Odisha government
The unveiling of the Dakota DC-3 aircraft fills the Odisha government with joy. According to a statement from the Commerce and Transport department, the airplane would be displayed in public as an example of the previous chief minister’s bravery and adventurous spirit and serve to encourage residents of Odisha to dream big.
The government intends to construct a small interactive museum at the exhibition location. It will highlight Biju Patnaik’s early years as a pilot, his adventures, and images and accounts of his dangerous flights.
Before entering politics, Biju Patnaik was a skilled pilot who founded Kalinga Airlines and possessed a fleet of 15 Dakota aircraft. Former Indonesian vice president Muhammad Hatta and prime minister Sutan Sjahrir were saved by Biju Patnaik in 1947 as part of his adventurous tour.
Biju Patnaik received the “Bhumiputra,” the nation’s highest civilian honor, twice from the Indonesian government in recognition of his daring mission. Since Biju Patnaik is closely affiliated with this aircraft, it will mimic Odisha’s rich aviation heritage, which would be an appropriate homage to one of the most famous figures in Odisha.
Biju Patnaik received the “Bhumiputra,” the nation’s highest civilian honor, twice from the Indonesian government in recognition of his daring mission. Since Biju Patnaik is closely affiliated with this aircraft, it will mimic Odisha’s rich aviation heritage, which would be an appropriate homage to one of the most famous figures in Odisha.
According to a formal statement released by CMO, the Dakota Aircraft will serve as a reminder of the late Biju Patnaik’s valor to the public.
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