Naveen Patnaik is the current Chief Minister of the Indian state of Orissa. He is an Indian politician and the leader of the regional political party, Biju Janata Dal, in Orissa. Naveen Patnaik is known for his significant work in international recognition of Indian designs and also for his works with handloom weavers to enlarge home market for Indian textiles.

Early Life of Naveen Patnaik
Naveen Patnaik was born on October 16th, 1946, Naveen Patnaik was born at Cuttack, Orissa to the parents, Biju Patnaik and Gyan Patnaik. When Patnaik was only 7 years old, he was sent to Welham Boys School in Dehradun. Therefater he attended The Doon School, Dehradun and studied there until he passed out with a Senior Cambridge Certificate at the age of seventeen. During his school days, Naveen Patnaik excelled in History, Oil painting and athletics. He went on to Delhi University at the age of 20 years to obtain his Bachelor`s Degree in Arts.

Political Career of Naveen Patnaik
Upon the death of his father, Naveen Patnaik returned from the U.S. and entered the field of politics. From Aska Parliamentary Constituency, he was elected as Member of the 11th Lok Sabha in by-election. He has served as a member of the Consultative Committee of Ministry of Steel & Mines and also as the Member of Standing Committee on Commerce. Patnaik also held the post of the Member of Library Committee of Parliament. He formed the Biju Janata Dal Party in 1998 in Orissa; and contested for the 12th Lok Sabha election. In 2004, with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Naveen Patnaik became the Chief Minister of the state and has been ruling since. His party is part of the National Democratic Alliance.

The Biju Janata Dal won a resonant victory in both the Vidhan Sabha and the Lok Sabha elections in 2009, achieving 14 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats and 103 of the 147 assembly seats. Patnaik was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Orissa on 21st May, 2009 for the 3rd successive term.

Naveen Patnaik as an author
Naveen Patnaik is an originator member of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). He has also authored three books, A Second Paradise: Indian Country Life 1590-1947, A Desert Kingdom: The people of Bikaner and the Garden of Life: An introduction to the Healing Plants of India, each one published in India, England and USA. For cultural and environmental publications, Naveen Patnaik has regularly contributed articles.