Naveen Patnaik | Odisha Chief Minister | Biography, Political Career, Background

Naveen Patnaik – Odisha Chief Minister

• Full Name: Naveen Patnaik
• Date of Birth: October 16, 1946
• Place of Birth: Cuttack, Odisha, India

Family Background and Early Life of Naveen Patnaik

• Naveen Patnaik, born to Biju Patnaik, a prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Odisha, enjoyed a privileged upbringing in a political family.
• A significant portion of his early life was spent abroad.

Naveen Patnaik comes from a distinguished political background. Here’s an overview of his family background

Naveen Patnaik Father: Biju Patnaik

• Biju Patnaik was a prominent Indian politician, freedom fighter, and aviator.
• Born on March 5, 1916, in Cuttack, Odisha, Biju Patnaik played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence.
• He served as the Chief Minister of Odisha twice, first from 1961 to 1963 and then from 1990 to 1995.
• Biju Patnaik was also a Member of Parliament and received several awards for his contributions to the nation.

Naveen Patnaik Mother: Gyan Patnaik

• Gyan Patnaik was the wife of Biju Patnaik.

Naveen Patnaik Siblings

• Naveen Patnaik had one sister, Gita Mehta.
• Gita Mehta is an accomplished author and has written several books, including “Raj,” “A River Sutra,” and “Karma Cola.”

Family Inheritance of Naveen Patnaik

• Naveen Patnaik inherited a significant political legacy from his father, Biju Patnaik.
• The Patnaik family has played a crucial role in the political landscape of Odisha, with both Biju and Naveen holding key positions in the state.

Educational Background of Naveen Patnaik

• Completed his education in the United States.
• Studied at esteemed institutions such as the University of Delhi, the University of Kansas, and the University of Westminster.

Political Career of Naveen Patnaik

• Entered the political arena in 1997 following the demise of his father, Biju Patnaik.
• Founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
• Successfully contested a by-election, securing a position as a Member of Parliament from the Aska constituency in the same year.
• Assumed the role of Chief Minister of Odisha in 1997, a position he has retained for multiple consecutive terms.

Chief Minister of Odisha

• Serving as the Chief Minister of Odisha since 2000.
• Recognized for his clean image and reserved demeanor.
• Re-elected in subsequent state elections, solidifying his status as one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India.

Achievements and Contributions of Naveen Patnaik

• Implemented diverse developmental initiatives in Odisha.
• Key focus areas encompass disaster management, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure development.
• Commended for effective disaster preparedness, particularly in managing the aftermath of cyclones along the coastal state.

Naveen Patnaik Awards and Accolades

• Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, has garnered several awards for his significant contributions to politics and public service:
• Ideal Chief Minister Award (2015): Acknowledged in 2015 for exceptional leadership and governance in Odisha.
• Kalinga Ratna Award (2019): Conferred upon him in 2019, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the development of Odisha and his efforts in disaster management.
• Best Administrator in India Award (2017): Honoured in 2017 by the Outlook Speakout Awards for his exemplary administrative skills.

Naveen Patnaik Properties and Assets

As of December 2022, Naveen Patnaik has a net worth of 64.50 crores and he is among the richest Chief Ministers of India.