Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu, in an emotional speech, expressed her gratitude to her hometown Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district for enabling her to occupy the highest post in the country.
Speaking at the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Rairangpur Municipality on Thursday, the President recalled her close bond with Rairangpur and said whatever she is today it is because of this town.
Recalling her struggling days, she said, “This land has taught me all important lessons in life. It has taught me to walk, run and dream. I will always remain grateful to Rairangpur for whatever I have achieved in my life.”
“Though it is my first visit here after assuming the office of the President, I often think about my family, neighbours and villagers,” she added.
The President also spoke on her journey from childhood to political career in the tribal areas of the district. Despite limited sources of income of her father and the hardship, she could pursue higher studies for her determination, she said.
“My family did not have the resources. But they had will power. When there is will power, the way automatically opens to success,” said Murmu and paid respects to her teachers, neighbours and seniors for their support and guidance.
The President said as the vice-chairperson of Rairangpur Municipality, she was assigned the responsibility of cleanliness of the town. She expressed her happiness that her efforts at the time and people’s contribution have yielded result under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Earlier in the day, the President attended several programmes on her arrival on her three-day visit to Odisha.
