This soil taught me to walk, run & fly: President Droupadi Murmu at Home District in Odisha 

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday became emotional during her visit to her birthplace, Rairangpur for the first time after assuming office. While addressing a gathering at a meeting in Rairangpur, she narrated her journey. 

“I was born at Uparabeda. And, I was reborn at Rairangpur. You showered your love and affection on me so generously that I became a councillor. Three years later, it was you who sent me to the Odisha Legislative Assembly,” said the first citizen of India.  

“Leaving behind many important works, I have come to Rairangpur. If the concept of birth and rebirth applies, then I feel, I owed something to my motherland in my previous birth and I am paying it off now in this birth,” she said. 

“What I am today is because of you. Sometimes I was told that Rairangpur and Mayurbhanj have become world famous for me. But I will say I have become famous because of Rairangpur. If you had not extended your supporting hand to me, nobody would have known who Droupadi Murmu is,” she said.  

“I don’t know how much will be my contribution to this land, but I would never bring disgrace to this soil. This soil has taught me how to walk and how to run. And this soil has taught me how to fly. So I am indebted to this soil forever.  I don’t know how many births I shall have to take to repay the debt,” she said in a choked voice.