Patnaik said this while participating in the Christmas celebrations at Satya Nagar Church here.
"I want to assure you this evening and the community at large, that I and my government are committed to ensuring fairness and justice to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion," Patnaik told the gathering.
Describing Christmas as a season of hope and love, of joy and peace, of a strong sense of brotherhood for all mankind, Patnaik said the advent of Lord Jesus Christ to this world brought to the value of forgiveness, compassion and fellow-feeling.
"Our hearts are one, as a state, as one people," Patnaik said while expressing gratitude to Christian community for its service to the state especially in areas of education and health.