Bhubaneswar: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participated in a programme marking the completion of two years of the Government of Odisha at Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha today (June 20, 2026). On the occasion, they jointly inaugurated 60 projects and laid foundation stones for 12 projects in sectors such as energy, industrial infrastructure, road connectivity, drinking water, health, education, tourism and irrigation. The projects worth Rs. 47,600 crores aim to strengthen regional connectivity and boost the economic development of the region.
The high-profile ceremony brought together top national and state leadership, including Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Union ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior officials. The presence of the President and the Prime Minister together in Mayurbhanj, a tribal-dominated district, added symbolic and developmental significance to the occasion.
Massive Development Push Across Key Sectors
During the programme, a total of 60 development projects were inaugurated while foundation stones were laid for 12 additional projects. These initiatives span critical sectors such as energy, industrial infrastructure, road connectivity, drinking water supply, healthcare, education, tourism, and irrigation. According to official details, the combined value of these projects stands at Rs 47,600 crore, with a strong emphasis on improving regional connectivity and accelerating economic growth in Odisha and adjoining regions.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in a programme marking the completion of two years of the Government of Odisha at Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. They jointly inaugurated 60 projects and laid foundation stones for 12 projects worth Rs.… pic.twitter.com/Jaycq1Tmr7
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 20, 2026
The projects are expected to strengthen the state’s infrastructure base, boost industrial activity, improve public service delivery, and generate significant employment opportunities for youth. Officials highlighted that the investments reflect a coordinated effort between the Centre and the State to transform Odisha into a key growth engine in India’s eastern corridor.
President Murmu on Inclusive and People-Centric Development
Addressing the gathering, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that development becomes meaningful only when its benefits reach every village, every household, and every citizen. She stressed that bridging developmental gaps in tribal areas, remote regions, and aspirational districts remains a national priority.
The President noted that substantial progress has already been achieved in improving human development indicators in underserved regions, but added that continued focus is required to ensure equitable growth. She expressed confidence that the projects launched during the event would mark the beginning of a new phase of transformation for Odisha.
Highlighting the importance of social justice and inclusive growth, President Murmu stated that the initiatives unveiled were not merely infrastructure projects but also reflected a deeper commitment to equality of opportunity and holistic development. She said that coordinated efforts between the Centre and State governments have created a new momentum for tribal welfare and upliftment in Odisha.
Focus on Tribal Welfare and Cultural Preservation
A significant portion of the President’s address focused on the welfare of tribal communities and the importance of preserving cultural identity. She remarked that a society that loses its cultural distinctiveness risks losing its identity, while communities that preserve tradition alongside modern development remain truly prosperous.
She appreciated ongoing government efforts to protect and promote tribal languages, literature, and cultural practices. The President specifically acknowledged national initiatives such as the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the establishment of tribal museums across the country to document and preserve tribal heritage.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in a programme marking the completion of two years of the Government of Odisha at Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. They jointly inaugurated 60 projects and laid foundation stones for 12 projects worth Rs.… pic.twitter.com/Jaycq1Tmr7
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 20, 2026
President Murmu also highlighted various welfare programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities. These include Minimum Support Price support for more than 90 minor forest produce items under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, micro-credit support for tribal women self-help groups, and low-interest financial assistance schemes aimed at empowering Scheduled Tribe women entrepreneurs.
She noted that health interventions such as the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission are addressing long-standing medical challenges in tribal populations. In addition, educational initiatives such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools are expanding access to quality education for tribal children. The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is also strengthening rural infrastructure in tribal areas, contributing to long-term socio-economic development.
The President emphasized that these initiatives collectively advance the national vision of Antyodaya, which seeks to uplift the most marginalized sections of society. She expressed satisfaction that a new phase of development has begun for Odisha’s tribal population through sustained collaboration between the Centre and the State.
Praise for Prime Minister’s Leadership
President Murmu also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that India’s global standing has significantly improved under his tenure. She noted that India’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its institutional strength and resilience.
The President added that India has consistently advocated for peace and dialogue in the global arena, particularly at a time when the world is facing instability and conflict. She emphasized that India continues to promote the message that sustainable solutions to disputes can only be achieved through dialogue and not through conflict.
On a personal note, she congratulated the Prime Minister on achieving the milestone of the longest continuous tenure as an elected Prime Minister, describing it as a historic achievement. She expressed confidence that his leadership would continue to guide India toward the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Odisha’s Progress and Centre–State Cooperation
President Murmu also congratulated the Odisha government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for completing two years in office. She observed that Odisha has witnessed notable industrial growth during this period, with rapid expansion of port infrastructure and steady progress in rail, road, and waterway connectivity.
She highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Centre and the State in accelerating development outcomes, particularly in women’s empowerment and tribal welfare. According to her, joint initiatives have played a crucial role in improving socio-economic conditions in the state.
Prime Minister Modi’s Address and Vision for Eastern India
In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began by extending birthday greetings to President Murmu and describing his visit to Rairangpur as a deeply memorable experience. He stated that visiting the President’s native village of Pahadpur and interacting with students and residents was personally inspiring.
The Prime Minister announced that Pahadpur would be developed as a “Surya Gram” or Solar Village, aimed at creating a model of energy self-sufficiency based on renewable energy. He said the initiative would promote clean energy adoption, enhance rural infrastructure, and create new livelihood opportunities at the local level.
PM Modi emphasized that eastern India, once considered a symbol of backwardness, is now emerging as a major engine of national growth. He stated that Odisha is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for investment, particularly under the “Utkarsh Odisha” initiative, which has attracted investment proposals worth approximately Rs 20 lakh crore.
He reiterated that India cannot achieve the vision of a developed nation without the development of its eastern states. He highlighted that Odisha’s growth trajectory is closely linked to national progress, particularly as the state approaches its centenary of formation in 2036 and India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047.
The Prime Minister noted that around ₹6,000 crore of investment has already been made in the energy sector, strengthening Odisha’s industrial capacity. He added that the ₹47,600 crore worth of projects inaugurated during the event would significantly enhance infrastructure, industrial expansion, energy production, and employment generation.
Welfare Schemes and Tribal Development Initiatives
PM Modi also highlighted key welfare programmes benefiting citizens in Odisha, including the Subhadra Yojana for women’s empowerment and the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. He praised the state’s performance under the Swachh Bharat Mission and commended its sanitation achievements.
He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to tribal development through the PM JANMAN scheme, which focuses on improving education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure in tribal regions. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to tribal icon Pandit Raghunath Murmu, acknowledging the cultural significance of the Ol Chiki script in India’s linguistic heritage.
He further announced the establishment of a new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mayurbhanj district to enhance access to quality education for rural students. He said this would significantly strengthen the educational ecosystem in the region.
Cultural Engagement and Visits to Tribal Heritage Sites
Earlier in the day, the President and the Prime Minister visited Pahadpur village, where they offered prayers at the Gosani Peeth, a sacred site of deep significance in tribal spiritual tradition. They also visited the Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera sacred groves, reflecting the close relationship between tribal communities and nature.
Along with Rashtrapati Ji, went to Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera in Pahadpur village.
Paid respects at these sacred groves that embody the deep spiritual traditions and harmonious relationship with nature cherished by our tribal communities. Such customs and traditions are an… pic.twitter.com/q4rtfLTx0n
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2026
The Prime Minister described these sites as living symbols of India’s cultural heritage and emphasized the importance of preserving such traditions for future generations. He noted that these practices represent ecological harmony and spiritual continuity.
Rashtrapati Ji and I prayed at Gosani Peeth in Pahadpur village.
Gosani Peeth has immense importance in the tribal culture. I am fortunate to have got the opportunity to be here.@rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/WVaKp9tVXs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2026
Both leaders also visited the school and skill development centre in Pahadpur, where they interacted with students and trainees. The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of the President in strengthening educational infrastructure and creating opportunities for rural youth, noting that skill development initiatives are enabling young people to become self-reliant.
Honoured to be in Pahadpur village, Odisha with Rashtrapati Ji and that too on her birthday. This is her village and the work that she has done is truly inspiring.
Praying for her long and healthy life.@rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/bjOwJuwCa6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2026
Prime Minister Modi’s Support Strengthens Odisha’s Development Path: CM Majhi
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, addressing the ceremony reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to public welfare, good governance, industrial growth, and social justice. He described the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the event as a historic and proud moment for the state, especially as it coincided with the President’s birthday celebrations.
ଆଜି ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ବିକାଶ ଗାଥାରେ ଏକ ନୂତନ, ସୁଦୃଢ଼ ଓ ଯୁଗାନ୍ତକାରୀ ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ ଯୋଡ଼ିହୋଇଛି। ମୟୂରଭଞ୍ଜର ଏହି ପବିତ୍ର ଓ ଐତିହାସିକ ମାଟିରେ 'ବିକାଶର ଧାରା ଓଡ଼ିଶା ସାରା' ମନ୍ତ୍ରକୁ ବାସ୍ତବ ରୂପ ଦେଇ ଆମ ସରକାରଙ୍କ ଦୁଇ ବର୍ଷର ଜନସେବା ଓ ସୁଶାସନ ପୂର୍ତ୍ତି ଅବସରରେ ପ୍ରଗତିର ଏକ ବିରାଟ ମହାପର୍ବ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠିତ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି। ଦେଶର ମାନ୍ୟବର… pic.twitter.com/Y5shPvUIbE
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) June 20, 2026
Extending warm greetings to the President, the Chief Minister praised her life as an inspiring example of sacrifice, service, and dedication. He noted that her journey from a modest tribal village in Mayurbhanj to the highest constitutional office in the country reflects unwavering commitment to democratic values and public service. He also wished her good health and a long life, calling her an inspiration for women across India.
Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted his consistent support and deep affection for Odisha, describing it as one of the state’s greatest strengths. He noted that the Prime Minister has visited Odisha eight times since the government’s swearing-in, bringing new development initiatives on each occasion.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi over the past 12 years, the Union Government has redefined governance through service delivery and welfare-oriented policies. He added that citizens across all sections of society are benefiting from numerous central schemes launched since 2014.
Highlighting the state government’s achievements, Majhi said that several major welfare schemes have been implemented in the past two years for women, farmers, students, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections. These include Subhadra Yojana, Krushak Samriddhi Yojana, Sri Jagannath Darshan Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, among others. He also announced a landmark decision to provide free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level, calling it a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
On industrial development, the Chief Minister said Odisha is rapidly emerging as a preferred investment destination under the “Utkarsh Odisha–Make in Odisha” initiative. He informed that the state has received investment proposals worth Rs 3.11 lakh crore across 152 projects, generating significant employment opportunities and boosting economic activity across 29 districts.
Majhi further stated that Odisha has received major infrastructure investments, including rail, road, port, and industrial corridor projects, strengthening connectivity and regional development. He expressed confidence that Odisha would soon become a key driver of India’s economic growth, contributing significantly to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
A Milestone in Odisha’s Development Journey
The programme concluded with a strong message of inclusive development, cultural preservation, and economic transformation. The large-scale investment announcements, combined with renewed focus on tribal welfare and renewable energy, reflect a broader vision of transforming Odisha into a key pillar of India’s growth story.
With sustained collaboration between the Centre and the State, and significant investments across infrastructure and social sectors, Odisha is positioning itself as a rising economic hub in eastern India, aligned with India’s long-term goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
