Droupadi Murmu, the 15th President of India, has carved a niche in the annals of Indian history as the first tribal woman to hold the nation’s highest constitutional office. Her journey from a humble background in Odisha to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is an inspiring tale of resilience, dedication, and service. Murmu's life reflects a deep commitment to public service and her identity as a beacon of empowerment for marginalized communities.
Personal Life
Born on June 20, 1958, in the
remote village of Uparbeda in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, Droupadi Murmu
belongs to the Santhal tribe, one of
India’s largest tribal communities.
- Family Background: Her
father and grandfather were village headmen under the Panchayati Raj system.
Despite their limited means, they instilled values of hard work and
education in Murmu.
- Education: Murmu graduated
from Rama Devi Women’s University
in Bhubaneswar, becoming one of the few girls in her community to pursue
higher education.
- Personal Tragedies:
Murmu’s life has been marked by profound personal loss. She lost her two
sons and her husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, within a few years. These
tragedies strengthened her resolve to serve her community and rise above
adversity.
- Spirituality: Her spiritual
inclination grew after her personal losses, and she embraced the teachings
of the Brahma Kumaris, which
played a significant role in shaping her perspective and calm demeanor.
Early Career
Droupadi Murmu began her professional journey as an educator and a
government employee.
- Teaching Career: She
worked as a teacher at the Sri
Aurobindo Integral Education Centre in Rairangpur, Odisha.
Her dedication to educating underprivileged children earned her immense
respect.
- Government Service: Murmu
served as a junior assistant in the Odisha Irrigation Department from 1979
to 1983. This role allowed her to interact with grassroots communities,
deepening her understanding of their challenges.
Political Career
Droupadi Murmu entered politics in 1997 as
a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Her political journey is a testament to her determination and commitment to
public service.
- Municipal Politics: She
began her political career as a councilor
in Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. In 2000, she became the
chairperson of the panchayat, focusing on local governance and community
development.
- Legislative Role: Elected
as an MLA from Rairangpur in the
Odisha Legislative Assembly (2000–2009), she served two terms. During her
tenure, she worked tirelessly for the welfare of women, tribal
communities, and rural development.
- Ministerial Tenure: Murmu
held multiple portfolios in the Odisha
government under the BJD-BJP coalition, including
commerce, transport, and fisheries. Her leadership ensured significant
development in these sectors.
Governor of Jharkhand
(2015–2021)
Droupadi Murmu’s tenure as the Governor of Jharkhand
was historic as she became the first tribal woman to assume this role. Her
leadership during this period reflected her deep understanding of tribal issues
and her commitment to social justice.
- Pathalgadi Movement:
During the Pathalgadi movement, a tribal uprising emphasizing self-rule
and resistance against government policies, Murmu played a crucial role in
mediating between the government and tribal leaders. She advocated for
dialogue and peaceful resolution, balancing constitutional obligations
with tribal rights.
- Tribal Welfare: Murmu
championed numerous initiatives to improve healthcare, education, and
livelihoods for tribal communities. She also worked to preserve tribal
culture and heritage.
Presidential Campaign
In 2022, Droupadi Murmu was
nominated as the BJP-led NDA’s candidate for the Presidential
election, making her the first tribal woman to contest for this
office.
·
Campaign Highlights:
- Her
candidacy was widely celebrated as a recognition of tribal contributions
to Indian society.
- She
garnered cross-party support, reflecting her unifying persona and
non-controversial political record.
·
Election Victory:
Murmu won the Presidential election with a landslide majority, defeating her
opponent Yashwant Sinha. Her
victory was celebrated nationwide, especially among tribal communities, marking
a historic moment in Indian politics.
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·
2022–Present
Presidency
Droupadi Murmu has refocused attention on tribal empowerment, grassroots
development, and inclusivity in his role as President of India.
Constitutional Role: Murmu's dedication to democracy and fairness has been
demonstrated throughout her administration by her observance of constitutional
standards.
Advocacy for Marginalized Communities: In her ceremonial and administrative capacities,
she continues to advocate for social justice, women's empowerment, and tribal
welfare.
Global Representation: Murmu has represented India on worldwide stages,
demonstrating her commitment to sustainable development, climate change
mitigation, and world peace.
·
Social
Contributions
Beyond her administrative and political positions, Droupadi Murmu has made
significant contributions.
Education: She has continuously pushed for better educational opportunities for
indigenous and impoverished students, highlighting the necessity of
high-quality curricula and facilities.
Healthcare: To improve access to healthcare and lower maternal and infant
mortality in tribal regions, Murmu has backed programs.
Environment: By encouraging sustainable behaviors, her attempts to maintain
tribal customs frequently coincide with environmental conservation.
·
Public
Attitude and Image
The ascent to the presidency of Droupadi Murmu is seen as a turning point in
the democratic and social history of India.
Empowerment Symbol: Her story serves as a reminder of the value of diversity in
government and the strength of tenacity.
Simplicity and Humility: Despite her prominent position, Murmu is praised for
her down-to-earth and personable manner.
Legacy
Indian society will never be the same after Droupadi Murmu's life and career.
She has established a standard for future leaders by advocating for grassroots
development and pioneering tribal representation. Millions of people are still
motivated by her presidency, which shows that anything is possible if one is
committed and persistent.
·
In
addition to being a personal accomplishment, her journey from the isolated
villages of Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan is a victory for the principles of
social justice, democracy, and representation.
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