Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said holistic development of India lies in contribution of its states and called for Odisha to take the lead in this regard.
Speaking at a civic reception organised by the state government in her honour at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, the President recalled the glorious past of Odisha and said she had immense confidence in its people to realise their true potential to make a bright future. “As a daughter of Odisha, I dream of a developed, peaceful and prosperous Odisha. I wish that the movement to make India prosperous should start from Odisha,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Odisha is rich in minerals, forest and water resources. It is a land of rivers and fertile land. It is also the place of hard working and skilled human resources. Odisha can become a developed state by utilising the natural resources properly.
Stating that she was showered with love and affection by the people of the states she visited, Murmu said the allurement of her motherland stood above all. Its attraction is unique, she added.
The President said Odisha has a special place in the history of India. “Historians have described Odisha as a bridge between North and South India. The glorious history and culture of the state has enhanced India’s cultural diversity and unity. The first voice of non-violence was raised in Odisha where transformation of Chandashoka to Dharmashoka took place on the bank of Daya river,” she said.
The President said the contribution of Odisha to various forms of the art is immense. “Odissi is one of the eight classical dance forms of India and Odia is one of the six classical languages of our country. The contribution of Odia people in the field of literature, music, art, sports, social service and IT is commendable,” she added.
Murmu said India is celebrating ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahostava’ and after 25 years, the 100th year of Independence would be celebrated. Similarly, after 14 years, Odisha will celebrate the centenary of statehood. This is a very important phase for India as well as Odisha. “To make India a developed country, collective effort is needed. With the commitment and hard work of the youth, India can be a leading nation in the world,” she said.
On the first visit to her home state after taking over as the President, Murmu arrived at Bhubaneswar airport on a two-day visit on Thursday. From Bhubaneswar, she went to Jagannath Temple in Puri and had darshan there. She returned in the evening to attend the civic reception.
Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik were present on the occasion.
