Former Chief Justice NV Raman presented the award to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

New Delhi. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday claimed that Odisha is the only state in the country to double the income of farmers. He said that farmers are the backbone of the state and due to their hard work the state has got Krishi Karman Awards four times. Patnaik was awarded the Capital Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished and outstanding leadership qualities. Former Chief Justice NV Ramana presented the award to the Chief Minister at a function here. Patnaik dedicated the award to 4.5 crore people of the state saying that he has been blessing them for serving them continuously for 22 years.

The Chief Minister said that farmers have always been the backbone of his state and due to their hard work, the state has received Krishi Karman Awards four times. He said, “Odisha is the only state in the country to double the income of farmers.” Patnaik said Odisha, once known for its ‘poverty’, is now in the news for the fastest ‘reducing poverty’ in the country. A statement issued by The Capital Foundation Society said, “Odisha’s transformational journey under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik began and the state witnessed rapid progress in every field during the last two decades. Patnaik’s simplicity, kindness and impeccable honesty have won the hearts of the people of Odisha.”

Capital Foundation Society, established in the year 1987, is one of the most prestigious voluntary organizations in India engaged in providing a forum for policy dialogue and debate on issues of national and international importance. The Board of Governors of the Capital Foundation Society includes Supreme Court justices, cabinet ministers, senior civil servants, politicians representing various political parties and interests, academics, defense and police chiefs, jurists and social activists.