On President Droupadi Murmu’s birthday on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 47,600 crore in Odisha, highlighting a renewed push for infrastructure, investment and inclusive growth in the state.Addressing a gathering in Mayurbhanj on the completion of two years of the BJP government in Odisha, Modi said, “The double-engine government is accelerating the state’s development journey and transforming the lives of ordinary citizens through welfare schemes, investments, industrial growth and employment opportunities.”He underscored two key milestones — the 100th year of Odisha’s formation in 2036 and 100 years of India’s Independence in 2047 — stating that the aspirations of Odisha were closely aligned with the nation’s broader development journey, and that a stronger Odisha will contribute directly to a stronger India. He reiterated that the “vision of the Central government is the development of India through the development of eastern India”.Extending birthday greetings to President Murmu, Modi described her rise from the soil of Mayurbhanj to the highest constitutional office of the nation as a matter of immense pride for Odisha and the country.He also announced that Pahadpur village will be developed as a solar village, ensuring solar power generation in every household and expressed confidence that Pahadpur would emerge as a model solar-powered village for the nation.The Prime Minister said the government was working to convert Odisha’s natural and economic resources into long-term growth opportunities by promoting large-scale industrial development and investment. He highlighted initiatives like ‘Utkarsh Odisha’, which he said has already attracted investment proposals worth Rs 20 lakh crore, with projects worth over Rs 3.5 lakh crore currently under implementation.Addressing healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities, he pointed to diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, which have posed significant concerns in remote regions. “The government has launched a nationwide campaign against the disease, distributed more than four crore health cards and provided Ayushman cards to millions of tribal beneficiaries to ensure access to free treatment. Also Jal Jeevan Mission is bringing safe drinking water to households across the country, including tribal regions,” he said.Speaking about tribal welfare, Modi acknowledged Murmu’s years of service among tribal communities. He added that the PM JANMAN Mission emerged from discussions held with the President and was specifically designed for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), ensuring that government services reach even the most marginalised tribal communities directly at their doorsteps.