CM hails JB Patnaik’s scholarly legacy, steady leadership

Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday recalled former chief minister Janaki Ballabh Patnaik’s scholarly and culturally aware personality, and his leadership qualities marked by patience and composure.

Speaking at JB’s 99th birth anniversary celebration, Majhi said the late leader remains an inspiring mentor whose life teaches the value of moving forward without being unsettled by difficulties. “Continuous work and patience define success,” the CM said at the event organised at Capital High School grounds.

Majhi said JB is remembered for two defining aspects: his intellectual and cultural depth, and his calm, steady leadership. He highlighted the former CM’s significant contributions to the growth of the Odia language, literature, and culture, as well as the organisational abilities and composure that shaped his long political career.

Describing him as a multi-faceted personality, Majhi noted that JB was simultaneously a prominent politician, accomplished journalist and editor, devout scholar, translator, and a respected expert in oriental studies.

Recalling his political journey, the CM said Janaki Babu’s career from 1971 to 2009 was remarkable. He served as deputy minister, minister of state and cabinet minister at the Centre, was a three-time chief minister of Odisha, and also served as leader of the opposition. From 2009 to 2014, he was the governor of Assam. His political engagement began early through active involvement in student politics.

Majhi said journalism and literature were JB’s natural callings, leading him to adopt journalism as a mission in 1949. Editing two newspapers at a young age was a rare achievement. His first major literary work, Gautam Buddha, was published in 1956, after which he translated the Ramayana, Mahabharat, and Shrimad Bhagavad into Odia prose. His translations of Bhartrihari’s Shringara Shataka, Neeti Shataka, and Vairagya Shataka earned wide acclaim. His writings as Assam governor and portions of his unfinished autobiography also reflect his scholarly depth.

Majhi also recalled JB’s efforts to inspire Odisha’s youth, noting that his call as CM in 1980 to set up “a thousand industries in a thousand days” had generated immense enthusiasm and helped drive industrialisation in the state.

Former CM and leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik also paid tribute. “His contributions to advancing Odisha and to the welfare of the people will always be remembered,” Naveen said in a virtual address.

Former Karnataka CM and former Union minister Veerappa Moily, former CM Giridhar Gamang, and several other leaders offered their tributes at the centenary event.