3 days ago
Warm welcome to Her Excellency
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Today, Her Excellency President
Droupadi Murmu
comes to her home state of
Odisha
. I extend a heartfelt welcome to this extraordinary personality of India to the sacred land of Odisha. As I greet her on behalf of 4.5 crore Odias, my heart overflows with joy and pride, not just as a citizen, but as a younger brother welcoming his beloved elder sister.
It is a matter of immense pride and honour for every Odia that a daughter of our soil has become the 15th
President of India
. But President Murmu's identity is truly unique among her predecessors. As the first tribal woman to occupy the highest constitutional post in the country, her election marked not only a historic moment for Odisha, but a moment of celebration for the entire nation, especially for the tribal communities, women, the underprivileged, and the marginalised.
Droupadi Ji's family background and social life had fascinated the people across India. Marking an incredible journey from Rairangpur to Raisina Hills, she proves that a person, who is at the bottom of the social and economic system, can rise to occupy the highest constitutional office of the country. This is the strength of India's democracy.
Obliviously, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
had a key role in her selection as the presidential candidate.
'Purvodaya' is Modi Ji's vision. It can be said without a doubt that by nominating Droupadi Ji from Odisha as the presidential candidate, Modi Ji succeeded in creating a suitable atmosphere to successfully achieve his priorities of development and prosperity across the country.
In 2000, I was elected as an MLA. Droupadi Ji was serving as a minister in the Odisha govt then. During the aggressive stance of the opposition in the assembly, she always had the ability to silence the opposition by giving calm, simple, polite yet firm and logical answers.
Today, when Droupadi Ji arrives in Odisha, I feel very happy as a tribal. I have experienced poverty and also managed to withstand it. Her Excellency is an inspiration for me to work more diligently and systematically for the tribals and the poor of the state.
I have given strict instructions to all concerned to ensure that Her Excellency's visit to Odisha remains a successful one. There is no doubt that during her visit, the people of Odisha will accord her a warm welcome.
Jai Jagannath!
(The writer is the chief minister of Odisha)
