Rairangpur (Odisha), President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said India has always spread peace in the world because issues can only be resolved through mutual discussion, not war.
"Today, when the world is grappling with unrest and instability born of war, India has consistently advocated for conciliation and peace...issues can be resolved through mutual discussion, not through war," she said while addressing a public gathering at Rairangpur in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, where she, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended the second anniversary celebrations of the state's BJP government.
The President said that since assuming the office of Prime Minister, Modi has taken several steps in the national interest. This month, he set a record for the longest continuous tenure as an elected Prime Minister.
Congratulating the PM, on behalf of all citizens, on this historic achievement, she expressed her wish that he may continue to benefit the people of the country with his vision and lead the nation in realising the resolve to transform India into Viksit Bharat by 2047.
India's glory has been enhanced at the international level due to PM Modi's "influential leadership," she said while praising him for his dedication toward the country and its people.
The entire world witnessed India's management skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that period, India not only successfully vaccinated its people but also provided vaccines to several foreign countries, she said. India has always been the first to extend a helping hand to countries facing natural calamities, she added.
Welcoming the PM to the soil of Mayurbhanj, the President said that despite his busy schedule, Modi's visit to Rairangpur shows his special affection and reverence for Odisha. This visit fills the people of Rairangpur, especially the tribal brothers and sisters, with boundless joy, she said.
While launching several projects, she said the projects are not merely symbols of development; rather, they are a testament to his (PM's) commitment to social justice, equality of opportunity and holistic development.
Development becomes meaningful when its benefits reach every village, every family and every citizen, she noted.
"Bringing about significant improvements in the human development indicators of tribal areas, remote regions and aspirational districts is our priority. We have made considerable progress in this direction," Murmu said.
She expressed confidence that the projects that were inaugurated and the foundation stones of which were laid today would unfold a new chapter of development in this region and the state of Odisha.
She was happy to note that central and state governments are implementing various schemes for the conservation of the languages, literature and cultures of tribal communities.
Murmu commended the central government for undertaking initiatives to uphold the pride and dignity of tribal communities.
Initiatives such as providing Minimum Support Price for over 90 minor forest produce under the Pradhan Mantri Van-Dhan Yojana, extending loans to tribal women in self-help groups under micro-credit schemes and offering low-interest loans to ST women under tribal women empowerment schemes are yielding positive results.
She congratulated the state government led by CM Mohan Charan Majhi for completing two years in office. She noted that Odisha has gained significant momentum in the industrial sector over the past two years. Ports in the state are undergoing rapid development. With the active support of the central government, the state is taking numerous steps to develop rail, road, and waterways, she pointed out.
Murmu was happy to note that a new era of welfare and upliftment for the tribal community of Odisha has begun through the joint efforts of the central and state governments.
