Droupadi Murmu Biography | President of India

Biography of Droupadi Murmu: India’s 15th President

Droupadi Murmu is the 15th and current President of India, making history as the first tribal woman to hold the highest office in the country. She was sworn in as the President on July 25, 2022, after winning the presidential election by a large margin. Her election is a historic moment in Indian politics, as it symbolizes a breakthrough for marginalized communities, particularly the Adivasis (tribal people) who have been underrepresented in Indian politics. Here’s a comprehensive biography of Droupadi Murmu, from her early life to her rise to the highest office in the land.

Early Life and Background

Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda, a village located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. Hailing from the Santhal tribe, one of India’s largest tribal communities, Droupadi’s early life was shaped by the challenges faced by indigenous communities in rural India. The Santhal community, like many other tribal groups, has traditionally been marginalized and faced socio-economic struggles, which deeply influenced her vision and life’s work.

Growing up in a modest and rural environment, Droupadi Murmu experienced firsthand the difficulties that tribal people often face, from economic hardships to limited access to education and healthcare. Her family, though not wealthy, was committed to the values of education. Her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, was a farmer, and despite the family’s financial constraints, he valued education as a tool for empowerment. This belief in education became a foundation for Droupadi’s aspirations and her later accomplishments.

She completed her early education in the local schools in the Mayurbhanj district, where she excelled despite the odds. In her pursuit of higher education, Droupadi moved to Rairangpur, a nearby town, where she continued her studies. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Arts (BA) from Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Later, she went on to earn her Master’s degree in Arts (MA) from Utkal University, also in Bhubaneswar, with a focus on Hindi.

Personal Life

Droupadi Murmu married Shyam Charan Murmu, and the couple had two sons. However, her life was marked by personal tragedy, as she lost her husband and two sons in separate incidents. Despite these personal losses, Murmu remained resilient, and her life story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity. Her strength and determination became a defining feature of her public life.

Political Career

Droupadi Murmu’s political career was shaped by her deep commitment to the welfare of marginalized and tribal communities. She started her journey as a public servant, working towards their upliftment. Her political career was supported by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and marked by her effective contributions in Odisha’s political landscape.

• 1990s: Appointed as a councillor in Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat.
• Gained recognition as a dedicated and effective public servant.
• Became an active member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a regional political party in Odisha.
• 2000: Elected as MLA from Rairangpur constituency in Odisha.
• Re-elected in 2004 and 2009, serving for three consecutive terms in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
• Focused on tribal rights, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development for marginalized communities.

Governor of Jharkhand

In 2015, Droupadi Murmu was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, making history as the first tribal woman to hold the office of a state governor. Her tenure as governor is remembered for its focus on improving the lives of tribal communities and advancing development, peace, and governance in Jharkhand.

• 2015: Appointed as Governor of Jharkhand.
• First tribal woman to hold the office of state governor in India.
• Worked on tribal welfare, focusing on improving their socio-economic conditions.
• Focused on peace-building and promoting inclusive development in the tribal areas of Jharkhand.
• Advocated for better governance to ensure that government schemes and policies reached the grassroots level effectively.

Path to the Presidency

Droupadi Murmu’s rise to the presidency was a natural progression following her impactful work as the Governor of Jharkhand. Her political leadership, especially her advocacy for tribal communities, garnered national attention, and in 2022, she was selected as the presidential candidate by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

• 2022: Chosen by the BJP-led NDA as their presidential candidate.
• The first tribal woman to be nominated for the office of President of India.
• Her nomination was seen as a proud moment for India’s tribal communities.
• Strong reputation for leadership, especially in addressing issues concerning tribal rights and marginalized communities.
• Elected as the 15th President of India after winning with a resounding majority.

As President of India

Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as India’s 15th President on July 25, 2022, becoming the country’s second woman president and the first tribal woman to hold the office. Her presidency is marked by her focus on social justice, tribal empowerment, and the inclusive development of India.

• July 25, 2022: Sworn in as the 15th President of India.
• The second woman president of India, after Pratibha Patil.
• First tribal woman to hold the office of President, symbolizing increased representation for marginalized communities.
• Focuses on empowerment of women and children, tribal communities, and social equality.
• Advocates for inclusive development, rural development, and education.
• Emphasizes the need for social justice and working towards the welfare of marginalized communities.