"He (Biju) was a colossus who loved to do big things and at the same time he was a down to earth leader who loved to spend time with the poorest if the poor and share his feelings," Patnaik said while inaugurating a conclave on the occasion of Biju Patnaik's birth centenary on Saturday.
Stating that Biju Patnaik was a phenomenon who was ahead of his time and continues to live in the hearts of the people in Odisha, Patnaik said "His grand vision for Odisha is timeless."
"Biju Babu was a great Odia who wanted to rewrite the history of Odisha by brining back the ancient glory of Kalinga Empire. Again his patriotism was so strong that he was several times at the fore front to save the country from foreign aggression," Patnaik said.
Biju Patnaik has also successfully contributed to the freedom movement of Indonesia, Patnaik said and added he (Biju) was truly a global Odia who had a global vision for his home state.
While Odisha is all set to celebrate the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik on March 5, Patnaik wished the youths of Odisha would follow the foot steps of the legendary leader.
He also described Biju Patnaik as a great son of Mother India and launched a website www.Bijupatnaik.Org, unveiled a painting on Biju Patnaik prepared by noted artist Baladev Maharatha and released a special cover approved by the Indian Post.