Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday departed from Bhubaneswar, a day after her historic address to the Odisha Assembly, and was seen off by Governor Haribabu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and senior ministers at Biju Patnaik International Airport here.
“For the first time in the 75-year history of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the President’s historic address was an unforgettable milestone in our state’s democratic journey. Her guidance and blessings have given renewed inspiration and strength to our government and all citizens of the state in building a prosperous Odisha by 2036. On behalf of the soil of Odisha, we extend our heartfelt thanks to this daughter of the land for her successful and guiding visit,” the CM posted on X with pictures from the airport.
The Address & Welcome Notes
On Thursday, Murmu addressed the inaugural winter session of Odisha Legislative Assembly, returning to the House where she began her career as a legislator in 2000. Besides reflecting on her journey to the highest office of the country and her association with many of the leaders present in the House, the President also urged the memb
ers to be mindful of their conduct and speech, reminding them that elected representatives are expected to set an example for the people who place their trust in them.
Welcoming the President on behalf of all Assembly members, Majhi had said her speech would “be written in golden letters in the democratic history of Odisha”. “I am personally overwhelmed that someone like me, from a humble tribal background, has been given the opportunity to serve the people of Odisha under your guidance. It is the power of our Constitution that someone from a tribal community like President Murmu has risen to the highest office, and I have been given the opportunity to serve the state,” he added.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik described the moment as a profound honour for the people of Odisha.
He said that it was a matter of immense pride that the President of India hails from Odisha and began her political journey in this very Assembly twenty-five years ago. “We are all proud that a daughter of this soil is today the President of India. What makes us even prouder is that she began her political career in this very Odisha Legislative Assembly, and today, as President of the country, she has enhanced the glory of this land,” he said.
Naveen further highlighted the significance of her journey as a symbol of constitutional faith, diversity, and democracy. He described her as a guiding force who “preserves, protects, and defends” the Constitution, embodying the very soul of India.