Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, expressed immense pride for the people of Odisha as he recognized that a daugther of the soil, who embarked on her political journey in the state Assembly, now occupies the nation’s highest position.

During President Droupadi Murmu's address to the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Patnaik remarked: "We take great pride in having the daughter of this land as the President of our nation. It is even more remarkable that she initiated her political career in this very Odisha Legislative Assembly twenty-five years ago, and today she elevates the prestige of this land by becoming the President of the country. The beauty of our nation lies in its unity in diversity."

He added that it was a tremendous honor for Odisha and its citizens that the President of India, originating from this state, addressed the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

The Leader of the Opposition noted that the entire nation looks to President Murmu for inspiration and guidance in safeguarding the very essence of India.

Focusing on Odisha's recent accomplishments across various sectors, Patnaik stated: "As you are aware, Odisha has created history in numerous fields over the past couple of decades. In areas like disaster management, food production, women's empowerment, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, health, education, and fostering industrial growth, Odisha indeed narrates an inspiring tale."

He acknowledged the unwavering support and blessings from the people of Odisha that made such phenomenal growth achievable.

Patnaik further remarked that Odisha’s disaster management policy has become a model for the entire nation, earning international recognition for its effective practices.

"With its abundant natural resources and skilled workforce, Odisha has vast growth potential. We must all work together to ensure that Odisha reaches new heights of glory," the Leader of the Opposition emphasized.

Naveen Patnaik also highlighted Odisha’s historical role in the integration of princely states, mentioning that Nilagiri was the first to join the Indian Union on November 14, 1947.

He pointed out that Odisha provided leadership to the nation in unifying and consolidating Indian identity. Patnaik emphasized the contribution of Madhusudan Das in the establishment of Odisha as a separate state based on linguistic grounds, the first instance of its kind in the country.

"He accomplished this historic objective alongside other national leaders through constitutional means. As the President of this great nation, you 'preserve, protect, and defend' the Constitution of India, the 75th anniversary of which was celebrated just recently. The entire country looks upon you, President Madam, for inspiration and guidance in safeguarding the very essence of India," Patnaik concluded.