President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday, returning to the House where she began her career as a legislator in 2000. Members of the Assembly welcomed her during the session.
“I feel nostalgic returning to the House that laid the foundation of my journey,” said Murmu, who on Thursday became the first President to address the Odisha Assembly. She had earlier addressed State Assemblies in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
“I have addressed many State Assemblies and national assemblies in other countries. However, my presence in the Odisha Assembly carries lots of meaning. I had asked many questions as an MLA and replied to questions as a minister in the House,” she said.
Calling upon lawmakers to work in unity to make Odisha a developed and prosperous State, Ms. Murmu reminded them that people watch Assembly proceedings online and urged members to maintain dignity in the House.
She began her legislative career in 2000 along with present Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In 2007, she was adjudged the best legislator, the first woman MLA from Odisha to receive the honour.
