Gyan Patnaik (Biju Patnaik’s Wife) Wiki, Biography, Age, Children, Family, Death, and More
Gyan Patnaik was not just the wife of Biju Patnaik, the legendary leader and former chief minister of Odisha. She was also a woman of substance, who had many achievements and adventures of her own. She was one of the first women commercial pilots in India, a freedom fighter, a humanitarian, and a role model for many.
Early Life and Marriage
Gyan was born in Punjab in 1920. She belonged to a well-educated and progressive family. Her father was a doctor and her mother was a social worker. She had a keen interest in aviation and science from a young age. She pursued her passion and became one of the first women in the country to get a commercial pilot’s license in the 1930s.
She met Biju Patnaik, who was also a pilot and a nationalist, in Delhi. They fell in love and got married in 1939. They had three children: Prem Patnaik, Naveen Patnaik, and Gita Mehta. Gyan supported her husband in his political and social endeavors and also had a life of her own.
Gyan Patnaik Wiki/Bio
| Name | Gyan Patnaik |
|---|---|
| Birth | 1920 |
| Death | 17 January 2009 |
| Spouse | Biju Patnaik (m. 1939–1997) |
| Children | Prem Patnaik, Naveen Patnaik, Gita Mehta |
| Occupation | Pilot, freedom fighter, social worker |
| Awards | None |
| gyanpatnaik | |
| Wikipedia | Biju_Patnaik |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Flying with Biju
Gyan was not just a co-pilot to her husband, but also a partner in his daring feats and missions. She accompanied him in many of his historic flights, such as:
- The rescue of the Indonesian leader Sukarno from Java, which was occupied by the Dutch, in 1947. They flew in the dead of night and risked their lives to help the Indonesian freedom struggle.
- The evacuation of British families from Rangoon, when the Japanese forces advanced on Burma, in 1942. They flew over the Himalayas and faced many challenges and dangers.
- The supply of humanitarian aid and assistance to Indonesia, during its rehabilitation after the independence, from 1946 to 1949. They frequently visited the country and forged a strong bond with its people.
Gyan Patnaik also participated in the Indian freedom movement and helped in distributing subversive literature to the Indian troops fighting under the British command in Burma. She was jailed by the British for this act of defiance.
Professional Career
Patnaik pursued her passion for aviation and became one of the first women in the country to get a commercial pilot’s license in the 1930s. She flew with private airlines and also co-piloted her husband in many of his historic flights, such as the rescue of the Indonesian leader Sukarno, the evacuation of British families from Rangoon, and the supply of humanitarian aid to Indonesia. She also participated in the Indian freedom movement and helped in distributing subversive literature to the Indian troops fighting under the British command in Burma. She was jailed by the British for this act of defiance.
Gyan Patnaik was also involved in various social and educational causes, such as the Kalinga Foundation, which was established by Biju Patnaik to promote science and technology for the upliftment of the society. She was deeply dedicated to the vision of the foundation and worked for its objectives. She also supported the Nepal Democratic Movement, which was backed by Biju Patnaik in the early 1950s. She accompanied him to Nepal and worked closely with the Nepalese leaders and activists for their cause.
Gyan was also a source of inspiration and guidance for many politicians and leaders, who sought her advice and wisdom on various matters. She was respected and admired by all who knew her.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Gyan Patnaik’s net worth and income sources are not publicly available, but it can be assumed that she was well-off, given her husband’s wealth and influence. Biju Patnaik was not only a politician, but also a successful businessman and industrialist.
He had interests in various sectors, such as aviation, mining, steel, textiles, shipping, and power. He founded the Kalinga Airlines, the Kalinga Iron Works, the Kalinga Tubes, the Kalinga Refractories, and the Kalinga Cables. He also set up the first private engineering college in Odisha, the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT).
Parents and Siblings
Gyan was born in Punjab in 1920. She belonged to a well-educated and progressive family. Her father was a doctor and her mother was a social worker. She had a keen interest in aviation and science from a young age. She did not have any siblings.
Who was Biju Patnaik?
Biju Patnaik was an Indian politician, aviator, and businessman. He served as the 3rd Chief Minister of the State of Odisha from 1990 to 1995 and from 1961 to 1963. He was also the 14th Steel and mines and 1st Coal Union Minister of India from 1979 to 1980 and from 1977 to 1979 and a member of Lok Sabha from Kendrapara from 1977 to 1985. He was the father of Naveen Patnaik, who is the current and longest-serving chief minister of Odisha.
Biju Patnaik was a visionary and a leader of the masses. He was known for his courage, idealism, and statesmanship. He was also the finest architect of modern Odisha. He played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle and gave asylum to freedom fighters to evade arrest. He also helped the Indonesian and Nepalese freedom movements and forged strong bonds with their leaders. He was honoured with the highest civilian awards of both countries, the Bintang Jasa Utama and the Order of Nepal.
How did Biju Patnaik die?
Biju Patnaik died on 17 April 1997, in New Delhi, at the age of 81, of cardio-respiratory failure. He was cremated with full state honours at Swargadwar in Puri. His death was mourned by millions of people across the country and the world. He was hailed as a national hero and a legend.
Children
Gyan and Biju Patnaik had three children: Prem Patnaik, Naveen Patnaik, and Gita Mehta. Prem Patnaik is a businessman and an industrialist, who runs the Kalinga Group of companies. Naveen Patnaik is the current and longest-serving chief minister of Odisha, who founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party in honour of his father. Gita Mehta is a renowned author and journalist, who is married to Sonny Mehta, the editor-in-chief of Knopf Publishing Group.
Other Contributions and Interests
Gyan was not only a brave and adventurous woman, but also a compassionate and cultured one. She was involved in various social and educational causes, such as:
- The Kalinga Foundation, which was established by Biju Patnaik to promote science and technology for the upliftment of the society. She was deeply dedicated to the vision of the foundation and worked for its objectives.
- The Nepal Democratic Movement, which was supported by Biju Patnaik in the early 1950s. She accompanied him to Nepal and worked closely with the Nepalese leaders and activists for their cause.
- The Odisha culture and heritage, which she embraced and appreciated. She learned the Odia language and became familiar with the Odia literature and art. She also visited Odisha during the winters and enjoyed its beauty and diversity.
Gyan Patnaik was also a source of inspiration and guidance for many politicians and leaders, who sought her advice and wisdom on various matters. She was respected and admired by all who knew her.
Death and Legacy
Patnaik passed away on 17 January 2009, in New Delhi, at the age of 89. She was survived by her two sons, Prem and Naveen, and her daughter, Gita. Her son Naveen Patnaik is the current and longest-serving chief minister of Odisha. Her daughter Gita Mehta is a renowned author and journalist, who is married to Sonny Mehta, the editor-in-chief of Knopf Publishing Group.
Gyan was a remarkable woman, who defied the stereotypes and norms of her time. She was a pioneer, a rebel, a humanitarian, and a role model. She was the valiant lady of Biju, who stood by him through thick and thin. She was also a woman of her own, who had a rich and fulfilling life. She left behind a legacy of courage, grace, and dignity.
