Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday unveiled two coffee table books documenting the achievements and transformation of the Odisha Legislative Assembly over the past two years. He also inaugurated a new physiotherapy centre within the Assembly premises to provide healthcare support to legislators, former legislators and Assembly staff.
The books, titled “Presiding with Purpose – Two Years Legislative Journey of Speaker Surama Padhy” and “Two Years of Transformative Leadership Under Speaker Surama Padhy,” were released in the presence of Speaker Surama Padhy and Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said the Assembly had witnessed several landmark developments during the last two years under the Speaker’s leadership. He highlighted the passage of important legislation and the successful digitisation of legislative proceedings, stating that these initiatives have strengthened the institution and enhanced its democratic functioning.
Majhi said the newly released publications comprehensively document the Assembly’s activities through photographs and detailed records, making them valuable reference material for students, researchers, intellectuals and the general public. He expressed confidence that the books would inspire greater interest in parliamentary democracy and further enhance the prestige of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister also noted that the publications feature important events, including orientation programmes for newly elected legislators, national and international parliamentary conferences, and the historic address of the President of India to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. He said the books would serve as an invaluable resource for future generations.
The newly inaugurated physiotherapy centre has been established by the Health and Family Welfare Department with support from doctors and paramedical staff from Capital Hospital and the National Institute for Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR). The facility will cater to sitting and former MLAs, their family members, as well as Assembly officers and employees. Majhi said the centre would be particularly beneficial for elderly former legislators.
Speaker Surama Padhy said the coffee table books capture the Assembly’s key milestones, training programmes, national conferences and international engagements over the past two years, preserving the institution’s rich legislative journey for posterity.