Russia will commemorate India’s war hero and former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on May 9, Victory Day. The Russian embassy in New Delhi has extended an invitation to his son, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, for the commemorative ceremony. It is the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. Significantly, Biju Patnaik had made gallant sorties to support Soviet forces during the notorious battle of Stalingrad.

Thus, Russia’s recognition not only celebrates his wartime courage but also reiterates the long-standing historical relationship between India and Russia. Additionally, it emphasizes how legacy and diplomacy can powerfully converge.

Biju Patnaik’s Gallant Missions at Stalingrad

Biju Patnaik started his flying career in 1930 at the Delhi Flying Club. Later, in 1936, he joined the Royal Indian Air Force. In the early 1940s, he flew with Indian National Airways. During World War II, he placed his life on the line by conducting missions well inside Soviet borders. There, he transported arms and supplies to the Red Army besieged in blockaded Stalingrad.

Despite the warnings of the Nazis, he broke through the enemy lines, helping Soviet forces during one of the war’s bloodiest battles. Therefore, his work was indispensable to the Soviet resistance. In 1995, Russia awarded him the Jubilee Medal marking the 50th anniversary of that victory. Today, three decades after that, Russia celebrates his work once again at this critical historical milestone.

Valour Beyond the Soviet Front

Significantly, Biju Patnaik’s bravery was not confined to the Soviet theatre alone. While the Japanese pushed forward in Burma, he made several rescue flights. He managed to evacuate British families from Rangoon against heavy pressure. At the same time, he air-dropped aid to Chinese revolutionaries combating the Japanese military.

Taking cue from Mahatma Gandhi, he even dropped leaflets from the skies of Myanmar during the Quit India Movement. The leaflets exhorted Indian troops abroad to return home and join the freedom movement. Essentially, wartime missions by Patnaik interwove global responsibility with national fervor.

Hero of Indonesia: ‘Bhoomi Putra’

In 1947, when Indonesia was fighting back colonial aggression, Biju Patnaik once again stepped up to the challenge. The Dutch had detained Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir. At Nehru’s behest, Patnaik offered to undertake a dangerous rescue operation. In the face of Dutch intimidation, he took Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta to safety.

Indonesia recognized him with its highest civilian honor—awarding him honorary citizenship and the respected title of Bhoomi Putra. This mission placed an additional global flavor to his already illustrious record.

Legacy and Diplomacy: Why it Matters Today ?

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov called the May 9 event one of “pride, sorrow, and unshaken remembrance.” By recalling Biju Patnaik, Russia honors not only its own war heroes, but also foreign friends who determined the course of the war. Secondly, this action reinforces India-Russia historical connection. It also acts as an understated diplomatic gesture. Although India continues to walk the middle path in relations with both Russia and the West, such gestures create subtle confidence without posturing.

Meanwhile, Naveen Patnaik’s presence as the guest of honour provides political and emotional significance. As one of India’s most prominent politicians and son of Biju Patnaik, his presence unites personal legacy with collective memory. In the end, this remembrance illustrates how individual acts of bravery, even years afterward, can inform international goodwill and solidify long-lasting friendships.