Bhubaneswar: The two-day Odisha visit holds a special personal significance for President Droupadi Murmu as she celebrates her 68th birthday on June 20 at her native place in Odisha.
India’s first tribal woman President, who arrived in Rairangour in Mayrubhanj district by road last evening following delays due to adverse weather conditions, was seen interacting with children and distributing chocolates to them while leaving for Pahadpur, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to join her. Pahadpur is the native village of Shyam Charan Murmu, the late husband of President Murmu. Besides foolproof security, the vigillage is decked up with flowers and traditional tribal paintings to welcome the President and the Prime Minister, who plan to offer prayers at the sacred Jahera groves of the Santhali and Ho communities.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended greetings to the President on her birthday, praising her remarkable journey of public service and describing her life as an inspiration for millions across the country. “Warm birthday greetings to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her journey, marked by courage, simplicity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service, continues to inspire people across the country,” he wrote on X.
Highlighting President Murmu’s contributions to nation-building and social welfare, Modi added, “Through her many years in public life, she has served the nation in an outstanding manner, especially passionate about the wellbeing of the underprivileged and marginalised. Her steadfast dedication to India’s development is very motivating.”
Extending his wishes, the Prime Minister said, “May she be blessed with a long and healthy life in the service of the nation. I look forward to meeting her later today at the programme in Odisha.”
President Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, to a Santali family at Uparbeda village in Baidaposi area of Rairangpur.
She has been a symbol of inspiration for millions due to her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the highest constitutional office of the country.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan also greeted the President on her birthday, saying her commitment to inclusive growth is an inspiration for all. “President Murmu ji has consistently championed the cause of the underprivileged and devoted herself to the service of the nation. Her remarkable commitment to inclusive growth and social welfare continues to motivate people across the country,” he posted on X.
Radhakrishnan added that Murmu has consistently championed the cause of the underprivileged and devoted herself to the service of the nation.
In a warn message, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati stated: “Warm birthday greetings to Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her inspiring journey, marked by humility, resilience and dedicated public service, continues to motivate millions across the nation. Her unwavering commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged and inclusive development reflects the finest values of public leadership. Wishing Rashtrapati Ji good health, happiness and many more years of service to the nation.”
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed deep respect, admiration, and pride for President Murmu on her birthday. “Odisha’s unique pride, the inspiration for the entire nation, and the symbol of indomitable resolve — heartfelt birthday wishes and congratulations to the esteemed President, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu. Your historic life journey is the greatest triumph of India’s democracy and our maternal strength. By overcoming all struggles and adversities, the steadfast leadership and dignified grace with which you have adorned the country’s highest constitutional office have awakened a new sense of self-confidence in the hearts of crores of Indians. Your innate simplicity, affectionate personality, and profound bond with the soil remain an eternal ideal for every Odia. I pray to Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath for your excellent health, long life, and auspiciousness,” he posted on X.
The Congress also greeted President Murmu on her birthday and said her steadfast commitment to constitutional values, public service and the welfare of every citizen continues to inspire the nation. ““On behalf of the Indian National Congress, we convey our heartfelt birthday greetings to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu Her steadfast commitment to constitutional values, public service, and the welfare of every citizen continues to inspire the nation. May her guidance and dedication contribute to strengthening India’s democratic ideals and inclusive progress. We wish her good health, happiness and many years of service to the nation,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said.
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