President Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Roots to India’s Highest Constitutional Office
New Delhi – India’s first tribal woman President, Droupadi Murmu, celebrates her birthday on June 20, a day that not only signifies a personal milestone in her life but also a defining moment in the country’s democratic and inclusive evolution. She has demonstrated her resilience, moral strength, and lifelong dedication to public service through her remarkable journey from a remote tribal village in Odisha to the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Humble Beginnings, Extraordinary Achievements
Born on June 20, 1958, in the small village of Uparbeda in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, Murmu belongs to the Santhal tribe. Her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, served as the village head under the Panchayati Raj system. From a young age, she witnessed economic hardships and social inequality firsthand, which deeply influenced her values and aspirations.
Murmu pursued her early education in local schools and later graduated from Ramadevi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar. Her dedication to education and self-improvement laid the foundation for a life devoted to public service.
From Education to Civil Service
Murmu started her professional career by teaching at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre in Rairangpur as an honorary educator. Despite the challenges of the time, she fulfilled each role with humility, sincerity, and diligence.
A Political Career Rooted in Service
Her formal political career began in 1997 when she was elected as a councillor in Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat on a BJP ticket. Her simplicity, honesty, and people-centric approach quickly earned her respect within the party and the community.
The Odisha government, formed by the BJP-BJD alliance, named Murmu as Minister of State with Independent Charge in the year 2000. She handled key portfolios like commerce, transport, fisheries, and animal husbandry, and championed various initiatives for the upliftment of tribal and rural communities.
Personal Tragedies and Unshaken Resolve
Murmu endured profound personal loss—she lost her husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, to illness, and faced the heartbreaking deaths of both her sons at a young age. Yet, she remained unwavering in her commitment to social service, channeling her grief into public good.
Breaking Barriers as Jharkhand’s First Woman Governor
In 2015, Murmu made history by becoming the first woman and tribal leader to be appointed Governor of Jharkhand. During her over six-year tenure, she upheld constitutional values and took strong, independent decisions. Her vocal advocacy for tribal rights and social justice became a hallmark of her governorship.
A Historic Presidential Election
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) put forward Murmu as its candidate for the presidency in 2022. Running against opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha, she secured a decisive victory and was sworn in as the 15th President of India on July 25, 2022. She made history by assuming the presidency as the first tribal woman to hold India’s highest constitutional post.
A Presidency Defined by Simplicity and Purpose
Even as President, Murmu’s grounded demeanor and focus on service have remained unchanged. She continues to advocate for women’s empowerment, tribal welfare, the promotion of indigenous languages, and the conservation of natural resources.
Her journey, marked by resilience, humility, and dedication, is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of hope and representation for countless marginalized communities across India.
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