New Delhi : President of India Droupadi Murmu addressed the members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly in Bhubaneswar today (November 27, 2025), recalling her earlier years in the House with a sense of nostalgia. She noted that her past experiences as both a legislator and a minister resurfaced as she spoke in the Assembly once again.
Highlighting Odisha’s historical significance, the President said the state played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building. She noted that the transformation of Emperor Ashoka and the courageous resistance shown by tribal communities against foreign rule reflect Odisha’s rich legacy.
The President emphasised that women’s empowerment has deep roots in Odisha. She stated that the Odisha Legislative Assembly has maintained continuous women’s representation both before and after Independence, and praised the achievements of women from the state across various fields.
Acknowledging the Assembly’s efforts, the President said Odisha’s legislature has enacted several welfare-oriented laws and appreciated the productivity and healthy dialogue of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Commenting on Odisha’s development, she lauded the state government’s initiatives in agriculture, education, health, tribal welfare, housing, and disaster management. She also noted that industrial growth in Odisha is gaining momentum through coordinated efforts of both state and central governments.
The President said that Odisha, blessed with minerals, forests, water resources, and skilled human capital, has all the potential to become a leading state. She urged stakeholders to work together so that by the centenary of Odisha’s formation in 2036, the state emerges as a symbol of prosperity—contributing to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Addressing the MLAs, she reminded them of their responsibility as representatives of the people, who place great trust and expectations in them. She emphasised that their words and actions, both inside and outside the House, influence citizens—especially in today’s technology-driven era. She urged legislators to set an example that inspires society and strengthens the state’s progress.