Bhubaneswar, June 19 (IANS) President of India Droupadi Murmu on Friday reached her native Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district on a two-day visit to Odisha.

As unfavourable weather prevented a direct flight to Rairangpur, the President proceeded by road from Kalaikunda Airstrip in neighbouring West Bengal, resulting in a delay of around two hours in her arrival.

Murmu was accorded a grand welcome by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, local public representatives, and senior administrative officials at Rairangpur.

Her arrival to attend the celebration marking the completion of two years of the state government’s service and governance has further glorified Odia identity and pride, Chief Minister Majhi said.

He added that her story of simplicity and struggle serves as the greatest inspiration for every Odia, and that her guidance in Odisha’s development journey will strengthen the resolve to build a prosperous and empowered state.

After arrival, President Murmu inaugurated a medical camp organised by AIIMS Bhubaneswar at the Sub-district Hospital in Rairangpur.

She also inaugurated a mega integrated rural piped water supply project for mining-affected villages under Kusumi Block, Matrushakti Bhavan of Brahma Kumaris, as well as Special Circuit House and Rairangpur Police District.

The President is scheduled to celebrate her birthday on Saturday (June 20) in her hometown, making the occasion particularly special for the region’s residents.

She will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rairangpur on June 20 to attend an event marking the second anniversary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, making it a rare occasion for Odisha to host the country’s top two constitutional functionaries together.

Following the Prime Minister’s arrival on Saturday, he and President Murmu are scheduled to first visit Pahadpur village in Mayurbhanj district at around 11:15 a.m.

Both dignitaries will offer prayers at the sacred groves Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera, Skill Centre and Pahadpur School. Later, they will attend a major event at Rairangpur marking two years of the BJP government in the state.

PM Modi will address a large public gathering, while projects worth around Rs 47,000 crore will either be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid during the programme.

Keeping in view the visits of the PM and the President, Odisha Police have made extensive security arrangements at various locations in the district, especially in and around Rairangpur.

–IANS

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