President Murmu highlights commitment to Odisha's development during visit

Bhubaneswar, December 6: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday shared her personal commitment to accelerating the development of Odisha, revealing that she had undertaken multiple visits to the state, including her native Mayurbhanj district, despite the absence of a formal protocol allowing such trips for a sitting President. Her visits were aimed at fast-tracking key infrastructure and development projects for the region.

 Speaking on the concluding day of her five-day visit to the state, President Murmu addressed a gathering in Bhubaneswar after laying the foundation for several major infrastructure initiatives, such as three new railway lines, a Tribal Research and Development Center, the Dandbose airport, and a sub-divisional hospital in Rairangpur.

 "As President, it is not customary to visit one's own state or district. However, I have chosen to break that protocol and visit frequently due to the pressing needs of the people in this region. I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by the people here, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the development of Odisha," said President Murmu.

 The President underscored her long-standing efforts to improve connectivity in tribal areas, particularly the enhancement of railway infrastructure. She recalled her past meetings with the current Railway Minister during her tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, where she had repeatedly advocated for better railway infrastructure in tribal regions. She also referred to her earlier role as Odisha's Transport Minister in 2000, when she had worked to improve transport connectivity in the area. "Though progress was slow at the time, I am grateful to the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister for the initiatives currently underway," she added.

 Murmu expressed her deep affection for her home district, Mayurbhanj, and reiterated her ongoing commitment to its development. "Even amidst my busy schedule, I remain deeply concerned about the welfare of my home district. I understand the needs of this area, and I will continue to work tirelessly for its betterment throughout my tenure as President," she affirmed.

 Clarifying her approach, the President noted that her advocacy for Mayurbhanj was not about making special requests, but rather ensuring that the district's needs were recognized at the national level. "The government has understood the importance of Mayurbhanj, and I thank them for their support and cooperation in this regard," she remarked.

 The President also emphasized the positive impact of the railway connectivity projects, which she believes will significantly improve regional transportation and healthcare facilities across Odisha. "These initiatives will not only enhance connectivity but also provide much-needed improvements to the state's healthcare infrastructure," she said.

 In her closing remarks, President Murmu expressed pride in her roots, stating, "I am deeply proud to be a daughter of Odisha. It is because of the love, affection, and blessings of the people of this state that I hold the position I do. Despite my responsibilities as President, I have always maintained a close connection to my home state. In my two-and-a-half years in office, I have visited Odisha on multiple occasions."

 On the previous day, President Murmu visited her ancestral village, Uparbeda, near Rairangpur, where she revisited her school and participated in a traditional dance with Santali women, further reinforcing her bond with the region and its people.