Patnaik asks BJD leaders to adopt simplicity

Puri: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday exhorted his party members to adopt simplicity and serve people, who, he said, were the "ultimate masters".

He called on BJD members to dedicate their lives to 'Maa, Mati and Manisa' (mother, motherland and human beings), and asked them to respect people's sentiment and meet the promises made to them. Patnaik, also the founder-president of the regional party in power in Odisha since 2000, said he is a proud Odia. "Let us take a pledge on Tuesday to ensure that Odisha will emerge as the number one state in India."

Patnaik, addressing the 20th foundation day of his party here, said: "Our aim should be simple living and high thinking. Therefore, I want you - the members of the Biju Parivar to be simple and stand by the people at the time of their needs ... Keep in mind that simplicity has its own power which connects with the masses. In the words of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, truth and simplicity are self maintained without any cost."

"People are our ultimate masters. Serve them with all humility," Patnaik said adding that he is indebted to the people of Odisha who voted him to power for four consecutive terms since 2000.