Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed a historic and deeply emotional moment on November 27 as President Droupadi Murmu addressed the House for the first time during her tenure as President of India. Describing the occasion as a personal milestone, she stated that the Assembly had laid the foundation for her political journey and shaped her rise to the highest constitutional office in the country.
Urges Legislators to Honour Public Trust
In her address, President Murmu delivered a powerful reminder of legislative responsibility, saying, “People have sent you here with many dreams. It is your duty to bring smiles to their faces.” She emphasised that elected representatives must recognise the immense expectations citizens place on their leaders.
Calling for high standards of conduct, she advised members to maintain grace and decorum in their behaviour. In an age of digital transparency, she noted that every word spoken in the Assembly is instantly visible across the world. “Your words and deeds in the Assembly, as well as in public, will set an example for the people. You should be extremely careful in this regard,” she warned.
An Emotional Tribute to the House That Shaped Her Journey
President Murmu referred to the day as a “truly special” and deeply sentimental moment. She recalled beginning her public life in this very Assembly as an MLA and later as a Minister.
Expressing profound gratitude, she stated, “Whatever I am today, the credit goes to this House. I am delighted to be present here. I have addressed many state legislatures before, but addressing the Odisha Assembly is unique.”
Describing the experience as a homecoming, she mentioned that the Assembly had taught her many valuable lessons that guided her throughout her career. She acknowledged that without the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and the people of Odisha, she would not have reached her current position.
Recalling her days on both sides of the House, she noted that she had once raised questions as a legislator and later responded to them as a minister. She expressed joy at seeing several of her former colleagues seated in the gallery, calling their presence deeply meaningful.
Highlights Odisha’s Glorious Heritage and Freedom Struggle
In her speech, the President reflected on Odisha’s rich cultural and historical legacy. She praised the state’s ancient maritime achievements, intellectual traditions, and its crucial role in anti-colonial movements.
She paid homage to legendary leaders such as Madhusudan Das, Harekrushna Mahatab, Gopabandhu Das, and Biju Patnaik, recalling their lasting contributions to the state’s development.
President Murmu highlighted Odisha’s role in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny and the subsequent resistance against British rule. “Many great sons of Odisha, including Veer Surendra Sai, Baji Rout, and Laxman Nayak, sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle. The people of Odisha have contributed immensely to nation-building,” she stated.
Women’s Representation and Governance on the Rise
The President spoke proudly about Odisha’s increasing representation of women in governance. Noting that the Assembly is currently presided over by a woman Speaker, she described this as a positive shift in political participation.
She also praised the state government’s Subhadra Yojana, calling it a powerful tool for women’s empowerment. “Many women in Odisha have become Lakhpati Didis through the financial support provided under the Subhadra scheme,” she said, acknowledging its impact on rural women and self-help groups.
Calls for a Visionary Approach to Odisha’s Future
President Murmu expressed her confidence in Odisha’s potential to become a leading state in the coming years. She noted that the state is endowed with abundant natural resources and a resilient population capable of driving transformative growth.
Acknowledging the efforts of both past and present governments, she stated, “Successive governments and Chief Ministers in Odisha have tried their best to develop the state. I pay my tributes to them.” She also praised the welfare initiatives introduced by the current Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi.
The President urged all legislators to work with conviction to build a prosperous Odisha by 2036, when the state will celebrate its 100th anniversary. She called for unity, dedication, and a people-first approach to governance.
President Murmu’s heartfelt and reflective address left the House resonating with emotion and pride, marking an unforgettable day in the history of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
President of India Inaugurates Newly Constructed Kalinga Atithi Nivas at Raj Bhavan
Earlier, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the newly constructed VVIP guest house, Kalinga Atithi Nivas, on the premises of Raj Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, on Thursday.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati; First Lady Smt. Jayashree Kambhampati; Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi; Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan; Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram; Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Surama Padhy; and Minister of Law, Works, and Excise, Government of Odisha, Prithviraj Harichandan, along with several other dignitaries.
ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଶ୍ରୀମତୀ ଦ୍ରୌପଦୀ ମୁର୍ମୁ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ଗସ୍ତର ପ୍ରଥମ ଦିନରେ ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱରର ରାଜଭବନ ପରିସରରେ ନବନିର୍ମିତ କଳିଙ୍ଗ ଅତିଥି ନିବାସର ଉଦଘାଟନ କରିଛନ୍ତି। କଳିଙ୍ଗ ଅତିଥି ନିବାସରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ସାଂସ୍କୃତିକ ଐତିହ୍ୟ ଏବଂ ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ସ୍ଥାପତ୍ୟର ପ୍ରତିଫଳନ ହୋଇଛି।
ଏହି ଉଦଘାଟନ ଉତ୍ସବରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଜ୍ୟପାଳ… pic.twitter.com/FGTxDqAalc
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) November 27, 2025
Nestled in the serene green surroundings of Raj Bhavan, Kalinga Atithi Nivas stands as a testament to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture. The structure beautifully integrates modern facilities with the timeless artistic essence of the state. Both the exterior and interior showcase intricate motifs, sculptures, and design elements inspired by classical Odia craftsmanship. Each room has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit, identity, and cultural legacy of Odisha.
The inauguration marks a significant moment of pride, as the foundation stone for this prestigious project was laid by the President herself. With its completion, Kalinga Atithi Nivas becomes a valuable addition to the Raj Bhavan campus and will serve as a premier facility for hosting distinguished dignitaries in the years ahead.
