NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, praising her dedication to public service, before joining her in Odisha for a series of engagements, including visits to her native region and the inauguration of development projects worth more than Rs 47,600 crore.In a post on X, the Prime Minister lauded President Murmu’s contribution to public life and her commitment to the welfare of disadvantaged communities.“Warm birthday greetings to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her journey, marked by courage, simplicity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service, continues to inspire people across the country,” PM Modi said. “Through her many years in public life, she has served the nation in an outstanding manner, especially passionate about the wellbeing of the underprivileged and marginalised. Her steadfast dedication to India’s development is very motivating. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life in the service of the nation. I look forward to meeting her later today at the programme in Odisha,” he added.AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also greeted the President on her birthday.“Respectful birthday greetings to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Wishing her good health, a long life, and happiness,” Kejriwal wrote on X.Later in the day, President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi visited Pahadpur village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, a significant joint engagement in the tribal-dominated region where the President hails from.The President and the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera sacred groves, which hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for tribal communities. They also visited a Skill Centre and Pahadpur School and reviewed initiatives aimed at improving education, skill development and livelihood opportunities in rural and tribal areas.The visit coincided with celebrations marking two years of the Odisha government. At a programme in Rairangpur themed “Vikas ra Dhara, Odisha Sara”, the President and Prime Minister participated in the inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth more than Rs 47,600 crore.PM also addressed a public meeting at Rairangpur saying that the state was moving fast on the path of development and welfare schemes were transforming the lives of the poor. “Eastern India, which remained backward during the Congress rule, is now emerging as a gateway to progress and development,” he said.According to an official release, the projects span sectors including energy, industrial infrastructure, roads, drinking water, healthcare, education, tourism and irrigation. The initiatives are aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing energy security and creating employment opportunities across the state.Among the major projects unveiled were the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project and the expansion of the IB Thermal Power Station through two 660 MW units. The Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited project in Jharsuguda is also expected to promote cleaner utilisation of domestic coal and reduce import dependence.Other projects include a municipal solid waste-based compressed biogas plant in Bhubaneswar, a bridge over the Kathajodi river connecting Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, several road and irrigation projects, and healthcare infrastructure upgrades including a 300-bed district hospital in Boudh.The programme also saw the inauguration of bypasses, railway multi-tracking works, sports facilities and tribal research centres as part of efforts to accelerate inclusive growth in Odisha.The joint visit by President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi to Mayurbhanj is being seen as a significant occasion for Odisha, combining a personal milestone for the President with a major development push for the state.
