Bhubaneswar: The President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, today addressed the Odisha Legislative Assembly, an event she described as “coming home,” marking a historic first for the 75-year-old house.
Speaking in the afternoon session, the President said her political journey began in the Assembly and that her success was due to the strong foundation provided by the House and the “grace of Jagannath.” She recalled her past role as an MLA, asking questions, and as a Minister, answering them, noting her personal familiarity with many of the 147 members, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
President Smt.Murmu praised the tradition of women’s representation in the Odisha Assembly, citing the current woman Speaker, the history of a former woman Speaker, and the earlier presence of Laxmibai as Deputy Speaker. She also highlighted the achievement of Nandini Satapathy as the country’s second woman Chief Minister.
The President lauded the state government’s Subhadra Yojana, stressing its role in promoting women’s self-reliance. She presented a vision for the state, suggesting that a prosperous Odisha by 2036, coinciding with the centenary of the state’s formation, could be a key partner in achieving a developed India by 2047. She urged the members to utilize technology and work to fulfill the common people’s dreams. The President concluded her address by thanking Speaker Surma Padhi for the invitation.
Earlier, Speaker Surma Padhi welcomed the President, reminding the House that Smt. Murmu was awarded the best legislator in 2007. She proudly noted that the President, a daughter of Odisha’s Bhanja Mati, is the youngest and the first woman President born in independent India, who also has the distinction of flying Rafale and Sukhoi jets as the guardian of the Constitution.
Opposition Leader Shri Naveen Patnaik said all were proud that a daughter of the land, who started her political career in the House 25 years ago, was now the country’s President and had enhanced the state’s glory.
Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati welcomed her presence and spoke about her life philosophy.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the day would be “written in golden letters in history” as the first time a President had addressed the Assembly. The session ended with the Speaker honoring the President with artworks of Shree Jagannath and the art works of Odisha Assembly.