In a rare moment, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi found themselves walking the same unpaved path on Saturday (June 20, 2026), far removed from the corridors of power in New Delhi, in a remote tribal village of Odisha.Assuming the roles of host and guide, President Murmu personally briefed the Prime Minister about Pahadpur, her in-laws’ village, its tribal way of life and the significance of Jahera, the sacred Santhal worship site. Visit to Pahadpur Arriving hours before the Prime Minister, who later flew in aboard an Indian Air Force helicopter, the President herself took stock of preparations for the visit.The two leaders entered the village amid a vibrant traditional reception. Men and women dressed in customary attire danced in unison, their arms interlocked and steps moving in rhythmic harmony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people from the Santhal community during his visit to Pahadpur, in Mayurbhanj on Saturday. (DPR PMO/ANI Photo)
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Amidst the beating of drums, villagers carrying photographs of the President and the Prime Minister extended a traditional welcome. Mr. Modi also conveyed his wishes to President Murmu on her 68th birthday. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi also greeted her on the occasion.
