For Me, It’s a Homecoming; I Feel Nostalgic: Murmu in Odisha
She advises members to maintain grace and decorum in their speech
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday described her address to the Odisha Legislative Assembly as an emotional “homecoming,” recalling her political journey that began in the same House nearly 25 years ago.
“In 2000, I began my political career here as a member of this House. I have raised questions as an MLA and answered them as a minister. This Assembly taught me invaluable lessons,” President Murmu said while addressing the opening day of the Winter Session.
Coming “from a nondescript village in Mayurbhanj to the nation’s highest office,” she said, was made possible by the opportunity and exposure she received during her two terms as an MLA from 2000–2009. “Whatever I am today, the credit goes to this House. I have addressed many state legislatures, but speaking in the Odisha Assembly is truly special,” she added.
The President also invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha, saying their support had guided her throughout her public life.
Several of her former colleagues including Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan, MPs, former ministers and MLAs were present in the gallery. Their presence, she said, made the moment “particularly meaningful.”
Highlighting Odisha’s rich civilisational heritage, Murmu spoke about the state’s maritime legacy, its contributions to India’s anti-colonial struggles, and the leadership of stalwarts such as Madhusudan Das, Harekrushna Mahatab and Biju Patnaik.
She noted with pride the rising participation of women in governance, pointing out the increased representation of women in the Assembly and the fact that it is now led by a woman Speaker.
Calling Odisha a state “blessed with abundant natural and human resources,” she said it holds the potential to emerge as a leading state in the coming years. She urged legislators to work with commitment to build a “prosperous Odisha by 2036.”
“People have sent you here with many dreams. It is your duty to bring smiles to their faces,” President Murmu reminded the members. She concluded by appealing to them to maintain dignity and restraint in their speech and conduct, especially in an era when every word spoken in the House is instantly visible to citizens across the world.
President Murmu visited Chamber No. 11, the small but significant office she once occupied as Odisha’s transport minister between 2000 and 2004. The room was freshly refurbished, restoring the atmosphere of her formative political years.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik also addressed the House on the occasion.
