In a landmark event etched in Odisha’s democratic history, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Odisha Legislative Assembly today, marking the first such occasion in the assembly’s 75-year existence.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, hailing the President’s journey from a humble tribal village to the highest office in the nation and emphasising her deep ties to Odisha.
The President, who hails from Uparbeda village in Mayurbhanj district and belongs to the Santhal community, began her active political career in this very assembly. CM Majhi described the day as one “inscribed in golden letters,” underscoring how Murmu’s visit serves as a beacon of inspiration for all Odias. “For the first time, our nation’s first citizen, the Honorable President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu ji, will address and guide us in the assembly,” Majhi said, extending a warm welcome on behalf of all members.
Reflecting on Murmu’s remarkable ascent, the Chief Minister praised her perseverance and dedication. Born into an ordinary Santhal family in a remote tribal village, Murmu overcame numerous challenges without ever conceding defeat. Majhi recalled her words from a 2016 international conference in Bhubaneswar, where, as Governor of Jharkhand, she shared stories of gathering firewood from the jungle to cook while studying in school. “Such struggles to succeed in politics and reach the nation’s highest seat are not mere coincidence,” Majhi noted. “It is the result of her rigorous penance for public service and divine blessings.”
The CM highlighted Murmu’s unwavering connection to her roots, stating, “She has neither forgotten her birthplace nor her first workplace.” He pointed out her invaluable contributions to Mayurbhanj’s development and her message that one should never forget their homeland or initial field of work, aligning with Odisha’s cultural ethos rooted in Jagannath traditions.
Personally moved by the occasion, Majhi, who also comes from an ordinary tribal family, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Odisha under her guidance. He noted that in a state where nearly a quarter of the population belongs to tribal communities, Murmu’s role as the youngest President from such a background is a testament to the Indian Constitution’s empowering spirit. This comes just a day after the nation celebrated Constitution Day, where Murmu delivered an inspiring address in Parliament’s Central Hall that touched the hearts of 140 crore Indians.
Majhi also recalled Murmu’s distinguished career: her recognition as the first woman Best Legislator in the Odisha Assembly for her efficiency, her effective ministerial roles in fisheries, animal husbandry, commerce, and transport, and her tenure as Jharkhand’s first tribal woman Governor from 2015 to 2021—the longest in the state’s history. “Her footsteps in public and political life are exemplary and worthy of emulation,” he said.
Under Murmu’s guidance and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas,’ the Odisha government is dedicated to serving all sections of society, including women, farmers, youth, the poor, Scheduled Castes, and tribes. In its short tenure, the government has focused on transparent, efficient, and progressive governance, breaking barriers between the administration and the people. “The public calls our government ‘people’s government’ and me ‘people’s Chief Minister,'” Majhi added.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Murmu’s address would not only guide the assembly’s ideals but also invigorate the indomitable spirit of 4.5 crore Odias. He envisioned a prosperous and developed Odisha by 2036, contributing to a Viksit Bharat by 2047, fostering peace, friendship, equality, and harmony.
The event concluded with Majhi’s prayer for Lord Jagannath’s divine grace to guide them, followed by chants of “Jai Hind” and “Bande Utkal Janani.”
This visit, one of several by Murmu to Odisha since assuming the presidency, has rekindled memories of her clean, efficient, and skilled working style, inspiring a new generation in the state.
