Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday extended his congratulations to two outstanding achievers from the state—Sujata Bhuyan and Om Prakash Rath—whose accomplishments were highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 132nd episode of his weekly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
In his address, PM Modi praised Sujata Bhuyan, a housewife from Sambalpur district, for her remarkable journey from managing household responsibilities to establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur in fish farming. Venturing into cage culture in the Hirakud Reservoir a few years ago, Bhuyan faced numerous challenges, including weather fluctuations and arranging feed for the fish. Despite these hurdles, she transformed her endeavour into a thriving business within two to three years.
“The early days were not easy, but her spirit remained unwavering. Today, her success serves as a beacon of hope for women in her community,” PM Modi said.
Expressing gratitude, CM Majhi described Bhuyan’s achievement as a matter of pride for Odisha. “By effectively utilising the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Sujata Bhuyan has not only achieved financial independence but also set an inspiring example for other women in the state,” the Chief Minister said. Bhuyan currently produces around 25–30 metric tonnes of fish annually, earning an income of Rs 8–10 lakh.
During the broadcast, PM Modi also recognised Om Prakash Rath, a youth from Kendrapara district, for his essay on advancing women-led development. Nearly 12 lakh youths participated in the ‘My Bharat Budget Quest’ competition organised by My Bharat, aimed at connecting young people with the budget and policymaking process. Around 1,60,000 participants progressed to the essay stage, where Rath’s work stood out for its insight and clarity.
“The recognition of Om Prakash Rath’s essay reflects the intellectual capability of Odisha’s youth. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to him for this achievement,” CM Majhi added.
The Chief Minister reiterated that such examples of dedication and innovation, particularly in entrepreneurship and youth-led initiatives, are vital to inspiring a new generation of achievers in Odisha.
