Bhubaneswar, Jun 20: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Pahadpur village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, where they offered prayers at tribal sacred sites including Gosani Peeth and the Santhali and Ho Jaheras. The visit, marked by tight security and traditional tribal ceremonies, highlighted the leaders’ engagement with indigenous customs and communities.

Sacred Rites

Adhering to tribal traditions, the President and Prime Minister performed rituals at the Jaheras—sacred groves revered by local communities—and paid respects at Gosani Peeth. Both leaders donned traditional Santhali attire, underscoring their respect for local culture.

Community Engagement

The visit carried personal significance for President Murmu, as Pahadpur is the native village of her late husband Shyam Charan Murmu. Together, the leaders planted saplings, interacted with students at the SLS Memorial School, and visited a Skill Development Centre. They also paid floral tributes to Shyam Charan Murmu, reinforcing the emotional and cultural resonance of the occasion.

State Programmes

Later in the day, President Murmu and PM Modi attended a major public programme in Rairangpur marking two years of the BJP government in Odisha. The event, themed “Vikas ra Dhara, Odisha Sara”, saw the inauguration and foundation stone laying of development projects worth Rs47,600 crore across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, health, education, tourism, and irrigation.
Also Read: PM Modi in Mayurbhanj to Attend Event Marking Odisha BJP Govt’s 2 Years In Office

Inclusive Development

The initiatives are expected to strengthen connectivity, boost employment, and accelerate growth in tribal and rural regions. The joint presence of the President and Prime Minister underscored the government’s emphasis on inclusive development and its commitment to extending benefits to marginalized communities