Bhubaneswar: In a historic moment for Odisha’s democratic history, the President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, addressed the 75-year-old Odisha Legislative Assembly today, marking the first time a sitting President has done so. Chief Minister Shri Mohan Majhi extended a heartfelt welcome on behalf of all members, hailing the occasion as a “festival of enthusiasm, sincerity and new faith.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the immense pride the state feels in its daughter, Smt. Murmu, who rose from humble beginnings to the highest office in the country. Born in an ordinary Santali family in the tribal village of Makhtihabeda in Mayurbhanj district, her journey was described as a victory over adversity and the result of “strict penance for public service.”
The address held special significance as Smt. Murmu began her active political career in the Odisha Assembly. The Chief Minister praised her for remembering her “mother earth” and her first workplace, sending a powerful message to society that one should never forget their origins, a reflection of the state’s Utkal and Jagannath culture.
The Chief Minister noted the inspiration he personally draws from the President, as he too comes from an ordinary tribal family and has the opportunity to serve the state where almost a quarter of the population belongs to the tribal community. He credited the Indian Constitution for providing such opportunities, referencing the recent celebration of ‘Constitution Day’ and the President’s profound speech in the Central Hall of Parliament.
Recalling her impactful tenure, Smt. Murmu was honored as the first woman MLA to be recognized for her performance in the house. She served as a minister in key departments and earned a reputation for her work. Her principled and dedicated service led to her appointment as the first tribal woman Governor of Jharkhand, where she served the longest tenure in that state’s history from 2015 to 2021.
Concluding his welcome, the Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is dedicatedly serving the four and a half crore people of Odisha, working for every section, including women, youth, the poor, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. He stated the government is guided by the President’s counsel and the mantra of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.’ He pledged to continue providing clean, transparent, efficient, and progressive governance, which has earned the current administration the title of ‘People’s Government.’
President Murmu’s guidance is expected to be a source of inspiration for the government and all who believe in democratic rule of law.