Collective efforts of all needed to make India developed

Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: Collective efforts of all are needed to make India a developed country. President Draupadi Murmu said here on Thursday. The President, while speaking at a civic reception hosted in her honour at Rajbhawan, said with the commitment and hard work of the youth of our country, India can be a leading nation in the world.
Murmu who arrived here on Thursday on a two day visit to the state said India is celebrating ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahostava’ and after 25 years, we will celebrate the 100th year of independence. Similarly, after 14 years, Odisha will celebrate the centenary of statehood. This is a very important phase for India as well as Odisha.
The President said the outlook of the world towards India has changed. The success achieved by India in the field of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic has impressed the world. India’s initiative in the field of environmental protection is being appreciated all over the world.
She said the benefits of development must reach all sections of the society. If the living standard of those living on the margins is not improved, a country or society cannot be said to be truly developed.
That is why the philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’ is very important which aims to bring the fruits of development to the economically, socially and educationally backward people. ecalling the glamorous past of Odisha she said ‘As a daughter of Odisha, I dream of a developed, peaceful and prosperous Odisha’. She wished that the campaign to make India more prosperous starts from Odisha. This is her first visit to her home state – Odisha after taking over as the President of India. She said Odisha can become a developed state of India by utilizing its rich natural resources properly.
She emphasized that the holistic development of India lies in the development of all its states. The President said she was overwhelmed by the love and respect she received from the people of the state.
She thanked the Governor, Chief Minister and state government for organizing such a grand event. The President said that India has many forms of folk dances, in which Odisha contributes, including Chhau, Sambalpuri, Gotipua, Ranapa, Chadeya-Chadeyani. Odisha is home to many tribal communities too. Their dance and music have enhanced the culture of Odisha and enriched the cultural identity of India. Murmu said Odisha has contributed significantly in the Indian freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi had great respect for the service and struggle of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das and original ideas of Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das. Prominent women leaders like Maa Rama Devi, Sarala Devi and Malati Devi played leading roles in the freedom struggle.