President Droupadi Murmu performed the ‘pinda daan’ ritual in Puri and launched several major development projects at Rairangpur, her hometown in Mayurbhanj district.
The 67-year-old President also offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri before travelling to Rairangpur, where she visited a local school and a prominent shrine.
Murmu’s day began in Puri at the Sweta Ganga tank, where she performed the ‘Pinda Daan’ ritual, a traditional ceremony seeking “Mokshya” (liberation) for her ancestors.
At the 12th-century Jagannath temple, she bowed before the holy trinity—Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath—and contributed ‘Dakshina’ for the ritual of hoisting a flag atop the temple.
In a heart-touching moment following her temple visit, the country’s first tribal President set aside protocol to walk down the “Bada Danda” (Grand Road), mingling with the crowds standing on both sides of the road. She also offered chocolates to the children and waved to the gathering while exchanging “Namaste” with the elders.
President Droupadi Murmu had Darshan at Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri. She prayed to Lord Jagannath for the peace, progress and prosperity of all. pic.twitter.com/0mOoDry1cc
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 4, 2026
Later, she flew to Rairangpur, where she inaugurated a holiday home for travellers.
“Earlier, people visiting Raingapur were unable to find a suitable place to stay. Now, this Holiday Home will solve the problem,” she said.
At a large public gathering attended by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Murmu inaugurated the Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University IT Campus and laid foundation stones for an AYUSH Hospital-cum-Ayurvedic College and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Campus.
Additionally, she laid the foundation for several community projects, including an Archery Centre, city beautification and drainage upgrades, an auditorium, a girls’ hostel, and a de-addiction center at Rairangpur.
She also unveiled the statue of Bhanjbir Sunaram Soren, the first tribal minister of Odisha.
“Whatever development the tribals of Odisha now get is the contribution of Sunaram Soren,” she said.
She then visited the Government Girls’ High School in Mahuldiha and interacted with students, encouraging them to understand the value of sacrifice for long-term growth.
“Learn to sacrifice in life. You will get back many times what you lose,” Murmu told the girls and enquired what they wanted for holistic development.
She asked the Odisha government to arrange a playground for the girls after she came to know that the school lacks such a facility.
She visited Punyeswar Mahadev Mandir, a Lord Shiva temple and performed puja and, in a gesture of humility, picked up a broom to clean the temple floor—a ritual the priest noted she had frequently performed before becoming President.
In her address, Murmu said Odisha and the Mayurbhanj district have benefited from the central government’s Purvodaya vision.
She expressed confidence that these development-oriented projects, institutions and schemes will benefit the region and generate new employment opportunities for the people of this region.
While getting emotional seeing the massive crowd at her public meeting, Murmu said, “Whatever I am, this is because of your blessings and good wishes. I will work for the betterment of the people till my end, whether I am in any position or not.”
The President detailed the Centre’s making special efforts for economic development of the tribal communities, highlighting the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for over 90 minor forest products and loan various loan schemes.
“The government is also working for better health and education facilities. The Pradhan Mantri-JANMAN Yojana has been implemented for the welfare of PVTGs,” she said.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University Information Technology Campus and laid foundation stones of various projects including AYUSH Hospital cum Ayurvedic College, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Campus, Archery Centre… pic.twitter.com/thRSz9I9ki
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 4, 2026
Electrification has been extended to tribal-dominated areas, and 4G internet connectivity has been provided in remote areas, she said.
“The goal of upliftment of the poorest of the poor can only be achieved through the development of the tribal community. The government is continuously working to ensure that tribal communities receive benefit of all the government welfare and developmental schemes,” she said and urged all to take advantage of those schemes and make others aware.
She emphasised that the resolve of making ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 will be fulfilled only through the collective efforts of the government and the citizens.
