Kataka: A full-length statue of former Odisha Chief Minister, former Union Minister and former Assam Governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik was unveiled at Daya Ashram Park in Tulasipur, Kataka (formerly Cuttack).

Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik, former judge of the Supreme Court, unveiled the statue at a memorial meeting presided over by Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh on Friday.

Several prominent personalities, including Rajya Sabha MP Dr Santrupt Misra, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, former ministers Niranjan Patnaik, Suresh Routray, Sashibhusan Behera and Bijaylaxmi Sahu, attended the programme as distinguished guests.

Senior advocate Dharanidhar Nayak, senior Congress leader Arya Kumar Gyanendra, Janaki Ballabh Patnaik Memorial Committee secretary Dr Gobinda Bhuyan, local corporators Bikash Ranjan Behera and Santosh Kumar Bhol, BJP leaders Lalatendu Badu and Mohan Pati, BJD district president Prafulla Singh, city district president and advocate Swadesh Das, advocate Debasnan Dash and Biswajit Mohanty were also present.

The speakers remembered Patnaik's life, ideals, political vision and contributions to Odisha's development. They said his foresight and administrative abilities had ushered in a new chapter in the state's progress.

His contributions to industrial development, expansion of education, promotion of the dignity of the Odia language and various reform initiatives were highlighted during the meeting.

The dignitaries said Patnaik's life and work would continue to inspire future generations to serve the people and work for the state's progress.

They also appreciated the Cuttack Municipal Corporation's initiative to preserve the memory of eminent personalities and pass on the city's historical and cultural heritage to future generations.

Other attendees included CMC Standing Committee chairman Pradipta Kumar Rout, corporators Banalata Pradhan, Priyambada Mohanty and Chaudhury Subrat Ghadhei, and advocates Akash Bhuyan and Mitali Bhanja, among others.

Advocate Chittaranjan Mohanty proposed the vote of thanks.