Russia Honours Biju Patnaik
Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day by honouring Biju Patnaik, a former Chief Minister of Odisha. The Russian embassy in New Delhi invited Naveen Patnaik, Biju’s son and current Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, to a special reception. This event recognised Biju Patnaik’s contributions during World War II, particularly his role in the Battle of Stalingrad.
Biju Patnaik’s Role in World War II
Biju Patnaik was an accomplished pilot. He trained at the Delhi Flying Club and joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936. During World War II, he flew crucial supply missions to aid Soviet troops besieged at Stalingrad. His bravery allowed him to deliver supplies despite the threat posed by Nazi forces. In 1995, Russia awarded Biju Patnaik a jubilee medal for his contributions during the war.
The Battle of Stalingrad
- The Battle of Stalingrad occurred from August 1942 to February 1943.
- Stalingrad (now Volgograd) was a vital industrial city on the Volga River. Capturing it would disrupt Soviet transport and help Germany access oil fields in the Caucasus. It also held symbolic value because it was named after Joseph Stalin.
- Hitler’s Strategy:
- Under Operation Blue (Fall Blau), Germany aimed to seize Stalingrad and southern USSR.
- Army Group South was divided into:
- Army Group A (target: Caucasus oil fields)
- Army Group B (target: Stalingrad)
- This division weakened German logistics and left flanks exposed.
- Soviet Response:
- Stalin created the Stalingrad Front with multiple armies to defend the city.
- Issued Order No. 227: “Not One Step Back”, refusing retreat or evacuation.
- The defense became symbolic of Soviet resistance.
- Soviet Counteroffensive – Operation Uranus (Nov 19–23, 1942):
- Planned by Zhukov, Vasilevsky, and Voronov.
- Aimed at encircling the German Sixth and Fourth Armies.
- Attacked weaker Axis flanks manned by Romanians, Italians, and Hungarians.
- Encirclement completed on Nov 23 at Kalach.
Biju Patnaik’s Legacy Beyond Stalingrad
Patnaik’s contributions extended beyond Stalingrad. He played important role in evacuating British families from Rangoon during the Japanese invasion. He also supported Chinese forces fighting against Japan. His efforts earned him the title of ‘Bhoomi Putra’ in Indonesia, recognising his role in their struggle for independence.
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