President of India in Odisha; Offers Prayers at Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, reached Puri today morning (November 10, 2022) and offered her prayers to Lord Jagannath at Shree Jagannatha Temple. Like an ordinary devotee, the President chose to walk nearly two kilometres to reach the temple and pay her obeisance to the deity.

Later, the President landed in Bhubaneswar where she attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of Odisha at Raj Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President recalled the glamorous past of Odisha and reposed immense faith in the people of Odisha to realise their true potential to make a bright future. She said ‘As a daughter of Odisha, I dream of a developed, peaceful and prosperous Odisha’. She wished that the campaign to make India more prosperous starts from Odisha. This is her first visit to her home state – Odisha after taking over as the President of India.

The President said that Odisha is a state rich in minerals, forest and water resources. It is a land of rivers and fertile fields. It is also the land of hard working, ethical and skilled human resources. She said that Odisha can become a developed state of India by utilizing the natural resources properly. She emphasized that the holistic development of India lies in the development of all its states.

Quoting Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das ‘wherever I am in India, it is my own home’, the President said that it gives her immense pleasure to visit various parts of the country. She said that she was impressed with the affection, love and respectreceived from the people of those states. Still, the fragrance of her motherland and soil is unique. The attraction and beauty of this region is unique. She said that she was overwhelmed by the love and respect she received from the people of the state. She thanked the Governor, Chief Minister and state government for organizing such a grand event.

The President said that Odisha has a special place in the history and geography of India. Historians have described this state as a bridge between North and South India. The glorious history and culture of Odisha has enhanced India's cultural diversity, unity and comprehensiveness. As we all know, the first voice of non-violence was heard from the soil of Odisha. Transformation of Chandashoka to Dharmashoka took place on the bank of Daya River near Bhubaneswar.

The President said that India is known for its cultural richness in the world. Our country is the home of diverse dance, music and folk arts. The contribution of Odisha in 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. She stated that the contribution of Odia people in the field of literature, music, art, sports, social service and IT etc. is commendable.

The President said that India has many forms of folk dances, in which Odisha contributes, including Chhau, Sambalpuri, Gotipua, Ranapa, Chadeya-Chadeyani. Odisha is home to many tribal communities too. Their dance and music have enhanced the culture of Odisha and enriched the cultural identity of India. As the land of innumerable temples, stupas, viharas and caves, Odisha has contributed to Indian sculpture immensely.

The President said that Odisha has contributed significantly in the Indian freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi had great respect for the service and struggle of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das and original ideas of Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das. Prominent women leaders like Maa Rama Devi, Sarala Devi and Malati Devi played leading roles in the freedom struggle.

The President said that India is celebrating ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahostava’ and after 25 years, we will celebrate the 100^thyear of independence. 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 efforts of all are needed. With the commitment and hard work of the youth of our country, India can be a leading nation in the world.

The President said that the outlook of the world towards India has changed. The success achieved by India in the field of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic has impressed the world. India's initiative in the field of environmental protection is being appreciated all over the world.

The President said that the benefits of development must reach all sections of the society. If the living standard of those living on the margins is not improved, a country or society cannot be said to be truly developed. That is why the philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’ is very important which aims to bring the fruits of development to the economically, socially and educationally backward people.