Naveen Patnaik receives Ideal Chief Minister award

January 21, 2018 Government

Pune: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was conferred ‘Ideal Chief Minister’ award by former President Pratibha Patil at Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad in Pune on Sunday.

Patnaik received the ‘Ideal Chief Minister’ award in a special event which was organised by Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Government. The award carries Rs 1 lakh, citation, shawl and memento.

Former Union Minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi was among the many distinguished guests who attended the event.

The Chief Minister dedicated the award to the people of the state.

“Thank you…Indian Student Parliament and M.I.T School of Government for this honour. I dedicate this honour to the four and a half crore people of Odisha who have reposed their faith in us for the past 17 years and continuously blessed us,” said Naveen while addressing the gathering.

He said good governance and selfless public service are the pillars of democracy.

“The biggest challenge before all of us today and especially for my younger friends is – how to strengthen governance and instil public service – in turn strengthening democracy,” he added.

“20yrs ago I was a political novice. I would have never imagined that I’ll be standing here as 1 of the longest serving CMs. Today, I can say with conviction that politics is not complicated. It is the powerful instrument to bring about change in the lives of people,” Naveen added.

“When you keep people first it is good politics, When you keep people first there is no anti-incumbency. If you keep people at the forefront it is not a political journey, It is a spiritual experience,” said the Chief Minister.

On his arrival, Patnaik was given a grand welcome from Utkal Samaj. Later he announced to build Utkal Bhawan in the city. Besides, he assured the people of Odisha residing in the city to recommend Maharashtra Government to begin flight services between Pune and Bhubaneswar soon.

“Touched by the love and affection shown by Odia brothers and sisters residing in Pune. Thanked them and announced that a Utkal Bhavan will be set up in the city. We are also drawing Centre’s attention for starting direct flights between Bhubaneswar and Pune,” tweeted Patnaik.