Smt. Droupadi Murmu’s life story is of perseverance, resilience, and dedication to public service. Rising from humble beginnings to become the 15th President of India and the country’s first tribal woman in this role, she has blazed a trail representing personal and social achievement. Here’s an in-depth look at her journey:
Early Life and Education
- Birth and Background: Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in a small village named Uparbeda in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. She belongs to the Santhal tribe, an indigenous group, and faced numerous socioeconomic challenges from a young age.
- Family and Education: Despite limited resources, Murmu’s father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, greatly emphasised education. Murmu attended school locally and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This education laid the foundation for her future career in public service.
Early Career
- Teaching and Administrative Work: Before entering politics, Murmu worked as a junior assistant in the Irrigation and Power Department of Odisha and later as a teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Institute in Rairangpur. This experience gave her insight into the challenges faced by educators and public administrators in rural areas.
Political Career
Murmu’s entry into politics marked a new phase of her life, where she would go on to hold several key positions:
- Entry into the BJP (1997):
- She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose through the ranks due to her hard work, integrity, and commitment to tribal welfare and women’s issues.
- Legislative Career:
- MLA of Rairangpur (2000-2009): Murmu was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rairangpur constituency in 2000. During her tenure, she served as Minister of State for Commerce and Transport (Independent Charge) and later as Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development in the coalition government led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
- Her work focused on addressing the needs of the local tribal community, enhancing infrastructure, and improving educational opportunities.
- Governorship of Jharkhand (2015-2021):
- In 2015, Droupadi Murmu was appointed the Governor of Jharkhand by the President of India, becoming the first woman from Odisha to hold this position.
- As Governor, Murmu took an active role in advocating for the rights of indigenous communities, focusing on education, environmental preservation, and improved healthcare services for tribal areas.
- Notably, she did not approve amendments to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, which she felt would adversely affect the tribal communities’ rights over their land.
President of India (2022-Present)
On July 25, 2022, Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th President of India, making history as the first tribal woman and the second woman overall to assume the nation’s highest constitutional post. Her presidency marks an era of inclusive representation, inspiring millions across the country.
Personal Life and Resilience
Murmu’s personal life has been marked by profound loss and resilience. She lost both her two sons and her husband within a few years, yet she continued to serve her community and her country with unwavering dedication. Her spirituality, rooted in the teachings of the Brahma Kumaris, has been a source of strength throughout her life.
Key Contributions and Legacy
President Murmu’s contributions to Indian politics, social justice, and tribal welfare are significant:
- Tribal Welfare and Education: She has consistently worked to improve educational and economic opportunities for the marginalized and is known for her dedication to tribal upliftment.
- Women’s Empowerment: As a woman leader from a marginalized community, her achievements have broken barriers and inspired women across the nation.
- Environmental Advocacy: During her tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, she championed environmental causes and emphasized sustainable development in tribal areas.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, President Murmu has been recognized for her contributions to Indian society and politics. Her role as the first tribal woman President is celebrated as a milestone in the country’s journey toward inclusive representation.
Legacy and Impact
President Droupadi Murmu’s life and career stand as a beacon of hope for women, especially those from marginalized and indigenous communities. Her story continues to inspire millions, embodying the values of perseverance, commitment to social justice, and public service. Through her presidency, she aims to further initiatives that protect tribal rights, promote education, and empower underrepresented communities across India.
In summary, Smt. Droupadi Murmu’s life journey from a remote village in Odisha to the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflects a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity, advocating for those without a voice, and leading by example. Her legacy is not only in her position but in the path she has paved for future generations.
