“During the launch of the 'Ama Gaon, Ama Bikash' scheme, I directly spoke to women representatives from the interior villages of Sambalpur and Narayanpatna. From the way the women explained the issues pertaining to their villages and their collective needs, I understood that women empowerment has reached even the grassroots of the democratic setup.”

Indian politician and author

Naveen Patnaik is an Indian politician and author. Born in 1946, he has been a central figure in Odisha politics for decades and has 99 quotes on the site. He is best known as the founder and national president of the Biju Janata Dal, a role he has held since 1997, and as the long-serving Chief Minister of Odisha. He served five consecutive terms as Chief Minister from 2000 to 2024, then became Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly in June 2024. His political career is marked by extended public service and by leadership at both the state and party level.