Headline Options
- Option 1 (Historic): President Murmu Becomes First Sitting President to Address Odisha Assembly in 75 Years
- Option 2 (Focus on Message): Uphold Decorum, Work for the Poorest: President Murmu Urges Odisha Lawmakers
- Option 3 (Emotional): “It Feels Like Homecoming”: President Murmu’s Emotional Address to the House That Shaped Her Career
Key Highlights of the Address
1. A Moment of “Homecoming”
- Significance: This was the first time a sitting President of India has addressed the Odisha Legislative Assembly in its 75-year history.
- Nostalgia: Speaking in Odia, the President described the occasion as an emotional “homecoming.” She recalled her two terms as an MLA (2000–2009) and as a Minister, stating, “This Odisha Assembly has taught me everything. Whatever I am today, it is because of this House, the blessings of the people and Lord Jagannath.”
2. A Call for Ethical Conduct and Accountability
- Core Message: President Murmu urged legislators to be exemplary in their ‘Acharan’ (Conduct) and ‘Uccharana’ (Articulation/Speech).
- Focus on the Poor: She stressed the principle of ‘Antyodaya’ (upliftment of the last person), reminding the MLAs that they must “Work for the poorest of the poor” and fulfill the aspirations of the people who elected them.
- Modern Scrutiny: She noted that in the age of technology, everything they say and do, inside and outside the House, is closely watched, making their conduct crucial for setting a positive example.
3. Vision for Odisha’s Future
- Development Goals: The President called for collective efforts to build a “Prosperous Odisha by 2036” (the state’s centenary year) as a major contribution to achieving the national goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.
- Acknowledging Progress: She praised Odisha’s ancient tradition of women’s empowerment, noting the long history of women’s representation in the Assembly. She also lauded the state’s progress in areas like industrialization, tribal development, and the digital transition of the Assemblys.
Political and Symbolic Context
The address transcended political lines:
- Unity: Both the Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, and the Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, hailed the event as a “golden chapter” and a “great honour” for Odisha, emphasizing her journey from the state’s tribal heartland to the highest office.
- Constitutional Role: The address reinforced the President’s role as a unifying figure and a moral guide for democratic institutions, urging lawmakers to adopt a “Nation First” approach.