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Picture Courtesy: The Better Plus

Context:

On Wednesday, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov unveiled a memorial plaque to the late Biju Patnaik at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.

Who is Biju Patnaik?

Bijayananda Patnaik was born on March 5, 1916, and is commonly known as Biju Patnaik.
He was an outstanding pilot who joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936.
He served twice as Odisha's Chief Minister.

Biju Patnaik’s Role in World War II

Joined Royal Indian Air Force	1936
Aircraft Flown	Douglas C-47 Dakota (transport aircraft)
Key Mission	Supply missions to the Red Army in Stalingrad
Other Involvements	- Evacuation missions in Rangoon (Burma)
	- Supported China’s Chiang Kai-Shek against Japanese invasion
	- Aided Indonesia’s independence movement

Battle of Stalingrad

Dates	August 23, 1942 – February 2, 1943
Significance	Major turning point in WWII
Outcome	German 6th Army surrounded and defeated by Soviet counteroffensive (Operation Uranus)
Axis Troops	Nearly 300,000 soldiers trapped
Role of Supplies	Critical for both sides; Biju Patnaik flew through German air defenses to deliver aid

Recognition and Significance

Patnaik's casket was covered in three country flags following his death: India, Indonesia, and Russia.
Previously awarded in 1995 by the Russian Embassy on the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of WWII.

Russia's recent tribute underlines,

International camaraderie during WWII
Even before independence, India played an important worldwide role.
Recognition of Indians' individual contributions to worldwide anti-fascist efforts