Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly programme Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, hailed two individuals from Odisha for their contributions to nation-building.
In his address, Modi mentioned Om Prakash Rath from Kendrapara for sharing ideas on advancing women-led development.
He praised Rath for his contribution to the MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 initiative, which drew participation from nearly 12 lakh youth across the country.
Modi noted that Rath’s essay on women-led development stood out among 1.6 lakh shortlisted entries and reflected strong ideas for inclusive growth.
He noted that young people from other states had also shared ideas on skill development and ease of doing business. Modi said he commended all those contributing such ideas, adding that they were crucial for taking the country forward.
Modi also spoke about Sujata Bhuyan from Sambalpur, whose work in fish farming made her self-reliant, according to an official statement.
He said that despite initial struggles in fish farming in the Hirakud reservoir, she eventually succeeded in her business.
The prime minister added that she had faced numerous challenges, including weather changes, arranging food for the fish, and balancing household responsibilities, but her spirit remained unwavering. He said that within two to three years, she transformed her efforts into a thriving business and that her success had become a new ray of hope for women in the community.
Modi further said that he was extremely happy that such efforts were not only enriching the fisheries sector but also instilling a spirit of innovation. He added that innovations were taking place in fisheries and seaweed, and that fishermen were becoming self-reliant.
