Droupadi Murmu

Full Name	Droupadi Murmu
Date of Birth	June 20, 1958
Place of Birth	Uparbeda, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
Father’s Name	Biranchi Narayan Tudu
Spouse	Shyam Charan Murmu (deceased in 2014)
Children	Two sons Laxman Murmu and Sipun Murmu (both deceased)
Education	Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (BA) from Rama Devi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar
Religion	Hinduism
Tribe	Santhal Tribe
Political Party	Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Notable Positions	15th President of India, Governor of Jharkhand (2015-2021), Member of Odisha Legislative Assembly

Introduction

Droupadi Murmu is a prominent political figure and the 15th President of India. Elected as the President in 2022, she is the first woman from India’s indigenous tribal communities to occupy the highest office. Her victory marked a milestone for marginalized communities in India. She has made significant contributions to the political landscape, especially in Odisha, where she served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, and later as the Governor of Jharkhand. Her leadership is characterized by her dedication to tribal welfare, education, and socio-economic development.

Childhood & Early Life

Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in the village of Uparbeda in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. She hails from the Santhal tribal community, one of the largest tribal groups in India. Her family was economically poor, which made life difficult for her during her early years. However, she was determined to overcome these hardships and excel academically.

Murmu completed her schooling at a local school in her village, where she exhibited strong academic potential. She later attended Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts (BA). Droupadi’s passion for education and commitment to social change started early, and she showed an interest in social work and politics.

Political Career

Droupadi Murmu’s political career began in the 1990s, when she became actively involved with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her early political work focused on serving the marginalized tribal and rural communities in her home state of Odisha. She first gained recognition when she was elected as a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2000, representing the Rairangpur constituency. She was a member of the BJP and was known for her relentless work towards tribal rights and issues affecting rural areas.

After her successful tenure as an MLA, Murmu was appointed as the Minister of State for Commerce and Transport in the Government of Odisha. She worked on improving transportation infrastructure and developing rural areas, especially in tribal regions. Her work as a minister earned her respect and recognition within political circles, not only in Odisha but also in the broader national context.

In 2015, Droupadi Murmu was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the state. During her tenure as Governor, she focused on education, tribal welfare, and the overall development of the region. She made notable contributions in ensuring that the voices of marginalized tribal communities were heard and their issues addressed. Murmu played an important role in promoting educational initiatives, healthcare, and economic growth for the tribal people in Jharkhand.

Droupadi Murmu’s Political Career:

This table highlights key milestones in her political journey and her significant contributions.

Major Works

1. Governor of Jharkhand (2015-2021):
   • As the Governor of Jharkhand, Droupadi Murmu worked on issues related to tribal rights, empowerment, and education.
   • She emphasized the importance of tribal culture and helped create policies that supported the economic and educational growth of tribal communities.
   • Her tenure saw significant strides in improving healthcare facilities and promoting sustainable development in rural areas.
2. Championing Tribal Rights:
   • Throughout her political career, Droupadi Murmu advocated for the rights of indigenous tribal communities. She fought for their access to land, forest resources, and the preservation of their cultures and traditions.
   • She has been vocal about educational empowerment for tribal youth and their inclusion in mainstream society without compromising their identities.
3. Presidency of India (2022-Present):
   • Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India on July 25, 2022. She is the first woman and the first person from the tribal community to hold this esteemed position.
   • In her presidential capacity, Murmu has been a staunch advocate of inclusive growth and national unity. Her presidency symbolizes the recognition of India’s tribal populations, and her vision is to bridge the socio-economic divide between urban and rural areas, especially for the marginalized communities.

Awards & Achievements

• In 2017, Droupadi Murmu was honored with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, one of India’s highest awards for women, for her exceptional contribution to the empowerment of women and tribal communities.
• Murmu was praised for her work as the Governor of Jharkhand, particularly for her efforts to uplift the tribal population and promote education and health in the state.
• She is a symbol of empowerment, especially for women and tribal communities, and has inspired countless individuals to break societal and cultural barriers.

Personal Life & Legacy

Droupadi Murmu’s personal life has been marked by personal loss and resilience. Her husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, passed away in 2014, and she faced the tragedy of losing her two sons as well, which deeply affected her. Despite these personal challenges, she remained focused on her public life and continued to serve her community and country.

Her legacy is one of empowerment and dedication to the cause of tribal and rural development. Droupadi Murmu is not only remembered for her work as a political leader but also as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women and marginalized communities. Her election to the presidency is considered a historic moment, as it marked the recognition of the tribal community’s contributions to the nation’s growth.

Trivia

• Droupadi Murmu was a teacher before entering politics. She worked as a teacher in a primary school before dedicating herself to public service.
• She was first elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2000 and went on to become a prominent voice for the tribal population in the state.
• She became Governor of Jharkhand in 2015, a role that positioned her as a significant figure in national politics.
• Murmu was nominated for the office of President by the BJP-led NDA coalition in 2022, and won with a significant majority.
• She has been an advocate for women’s rights, tribal rights, and education for marginalized communities throughout her career.

Droupadi Murmu’s life is a remarkable tale of perseverance, overcoming personal hardships, and a commitment to serving the marginalized communities. She remains an icon for tribal empowerment and women’s political representation, and her journey continues to inspire millions.

Key Terms:

• 15th President
,
• constitutional duties
,
• Droupadi Murmu
,
• elected 2022
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• first woman
,
• Governance
,
• history-maker
,
• india
,
• indigenous rights
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• national leadership
,
• Odisha
,
• political career
,
• political milestone
,
• President of India
,
• Raj Bhavan
,
• Santhal tribe
,
• Social Work
,
• tribal leader
,
• women empowerment

Disclaimer: The information provided here has been compiled from various sources to the best of our knowledge. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the details, there may be occasional errors or omissions. If you find any discrepancies or incorrect information, kindly inform us so we can make the necessary corrections. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.