Russia to honour former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik on Victory Day

New Delhi, May 6: On occasion of Victory Day on May 9, the Russian Government is set to honour former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik for his courageous contributions during the Stalingrad Operation in the early 1940s.

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The Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Patnaik played a vital role in delivering weapons to the besieged Red Army during World War II as a pilot with Indian National Airways. His efforts formed part of the broader Allied support during the pivotal Battle of Stalingrad.

In a letter to Patnaik’s son and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov confirmed that a tribute to Biju Patnaik will be held during a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, scheduled for May 9, 2025.

Dated April 26, 2025, the letter states that the Russian Embassy in New Delhi will host the event to honour those who stood in solidarity against Nazism as part of the anti-Hitler coalition and to commemorate the courage of the people of the former Soviet Union and its allies.

In 1995, Biju Patnaik was honoured by Russia with the Jubilee Medal marking the 50th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945) for his bravery during the war.

According to the Russian Embassy, Naveen Patnaik will attend the upcoming ceremony as the Guest of Honour, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be the Chief Guest.

Biju Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha twice—from 1961 to 1963 and from 1990 to 1995. He passed away on April 17, 1997.