Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday revealed that he respectfully declined an invitation from the U.S. President Donald Trump during his recent overseas tour, choosing instead to honor his commitment to the people of Odisha.

Addressing a massive public gathering at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, PM Modi shared the circumstances behind his decision not to detour to the United States following his participation in the G7 Summit in Canada.

“President Donald Trump called and invited me to visit the United States on my way back from Canada. With humility and respect, I declined, as I was already scheduled to be here today—in the sacred land of Lord Jagannath, Odisha,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi arrived in Bhubaneswar to a grand welcome. He was received at the airport by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, members of the state Cabinet, and senior BJP leaders. From there, he led a vibrant roadshow to the event venue, warmly waving to thousands of supporters who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of him.

The rally marked a significant political moment, celebrating one year of BJP governance in the state, with the Prime Minister reaffirming his commitment to Odisha's development and cultural pride.

During the programme, the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore. These projects will cover critical sectors, including drinking water, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges, sections of national highways, a new railway line and eco-friendly urban mobility network.

PM Modi also released the Odisha Vision Document. Anchored around the landmark years of 2036 (when Odisha completes 100 years as India’s first linguistic State) and 2047 (when India celebrates 100 years of independence), the vision outlines an ambitious and future-ready roadmap for inclusive growth.

As a tribute to the contribution of eminent Odias, the Prime Minister launched the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’ initiative. It aims to transform their birthplaces into living memorials through museums, interpretation centres, statues, libraries, and public spaces honouring Odisha’s heritage while promoting cultural tourism.

Celebrating more than 16.50 lakh Lakhpati Didis as symbols of prosperity and self-reliance in the state, the Prime Minister felicitated women achievers from across the State.