Panchayati Raj Diwas

This public holiday recognizes the Panchayati Raj System of local governance originating from the Indian subcontinent, which means 'rule by an assembly of five', as disputes were traditionally settled by five elders who were considered the wisest in the community. The Panchayati Raj System, India's current system of local self-government, was established in 1992.   

Biju Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha during the adoption of the constitutional amendment establishing local self-government. In recognition of his significant contribution to the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system in Odisha, the State Government of Odisha declared Panchayati Raj Day in honour of his birthday.   

Patnaik initially worked with private airlines but joined the Royal Indian Air Force at the start of World War 2. He rose to head the air transport command. During his service, he became involved in nationalist politics and used air force transport to distribute literature deemed subversive to Indian troops. Patnaik was a champion of socialism and federalism. His tireless advocacy for equitable distribution of resources to all Indian states, especially Odisha, endeared him to his constituencies.

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