Droupadi Murmu Biography - 15th President of India

Droupadi Murmu holds a very special place in Indian history because she is the 15th President of India, the first tribal (Adivasi) woman, and the seco

Droupadi Murmu

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Introduction: Why Droupadi Murmu Is a Historic Figure in India

Droupadi Murmu holds a very special place in Indian history because she is the 15th President of India, the first tribal (Adivasi) woman, and the second woman ever to hold the highest constitutional office of the country. 

Her journey from a small tribal village in Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan is not just a political success story, but a powerful symbol of social change, inclusion, and democracy in action. She represents millions of people who were traditionally underrepresented in Indian politics, especially tribal communities and women.

Her life story is inspiring because it is built on simplicity, struggle, dignity, and resilience. She faced personal tragedies, professional challenges, and political responsibilities with remarkable strength. Droupadi Murmu’s rise shows that the Indian Constitution allows anyone—regardless of background—to reach the highest office through merit, service, and democratic processes.

Full Name	Droupadi Murmu
Date of Birth	20 June 1958
Place of Birth	Uparbeda village, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha
Community	Santhal Tribe (Scheduled Tribe)
Education	Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Early Profession	Junior Assistant in Odisha Irrigation Department; later worked as a Teacher
Political Party	Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Entry into Politics	Elected as Councillor, Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat (1997)
Legislative Career	MLA from Rairangpur constituency (2000, 2004)
Ministerial Career	Cabinet Minister, Odisha Government (2000–2009)
Portfolios Held	Transport, Commerce, Fisheries, Animal Resources Development
Governor Role	Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021)
Major Contribution as Governor	Protected tribal land rights and upheld constitutional values
President of India	15th President of India
Date of Oath	25 July 2022
Historic Achievements	First tribal woman President; second woman President of India
Personal Life	Faced major personal tragedies including loss of husband and two sons
Leadership Style	Simple, disciplined, constitutional, people-centric
Key Focus Areas	Tribal welfare, women empowerment, education, social inclusion
Legacy	Symbol of inclusiveness, resilience, and democratic opportunity in India

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Early Life and Background

Droupadi Murmu was born on 20 June 1958 in Uparbeda village of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, into a Santhal tribal family. Her upbringing was simple and deeply connected to tribal culture, traditions, and community life. 

Growing up in a remote rural area, she experienced first-hand the challenges faced by tribal families—limited resources, lack of facilities, and fewer educational opportunities. These early experiences shaped her understanding of grassroots realities and social inequality.

Despite these difficulties, she showed a strong commitment to education. She completed her schooling locally and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Arts. Education became her path to self-reliance and service. 

Before entering politics, she worked as a junior assistant in the Odisha government’s irrigation department, which gave her practical exposure to administration and public service. Later, she also worked as a teacher, strengthening her connection with students, parents, and local communities.

Her early professional life was marked by discipline, honesty, and empathy—qualities that later defined her political career. Coming from a non-elite background, she understood the value of hard work and integrity. This grounded upbringing, rooted in tribal identity and public service, laid the foundation for her steady rise in Indian public life.

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Entry Into Politics

Droupadi Murmu’s entry into politics was gradual, grounded, and closely connected to grassroots work rather than sudden prominence. After spending several years as a government employee and a teacher, she developed a deep understanding of public problems, especially those faced by tribal communities, women, and people living in rural areas. Her exposure to administration and education helped her realise that real change required participation in decision-making, which drew her toward public life.

She formally entered politics in the late 1990s by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Unlike many politicians who begin their careers at higher levels, she started at the local level. In 1997, she was elected as a councillor of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat in Odisha. 

This role allowed her to work directly with people on everyday civic issues such as sanitation, water supply, and local development. Her honest approach, calm behaviour, and dedication quickly earned her respect among party workers and local residents.

Her work at the grassroots level laid a strong foundation for her political growth. Recognising her sincerity and leadership qualities, the party gave her a larger responsibility. In 2000, she was elected as a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Rairangpur constituency, marking her formal entry into state-level politics. This step transformed her from a local representative into a recognised political leader, beginning a journey that would eventually take her to the highest constitutional office in the country.

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Ministerial Career in Odisha

Droupadi Murmu’s ministerial career began after she was elected as a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Rairangpur constituency in 2000. With the formation of the coalition government in Odisha, she was inducted into the state cabinet, marking an important phase in her political journey. Her appointment as a minister was significant because she was one of the few tribal women to hold such a position in the state government at that time.

Between 2000 and 2009, she served as a Cabinet Minister in the Odisha Government, handling multiple important portfolios such as Transport, Commerce, Fisheries, and Animal Resources Development. These departments were closely linked to the daily lives of common people, especially farmers, fishermen, small traders, and rural communities. As a minister, she focused on practical administration rather than publicity, earning a reputation for being hardworking, disciplined, and accessible.

Her tenure was marked by simplicity and integrity. She paid special attention to the welfare of tribal and rural populations, ensuring that government schemes reached the grassroots. She was known for listening patiently to public grievances and taking balanced decisions without political arrogance. Even political opponents acknowledged her clean image and sincere approach to governance.

Droupadi Murmu’s ministerial career strengthened her administrative experience and gave her a deeper understanding of governance. It also established her as a capable leader who could handle responsibility with honesty and sensitivity. This phase of her life played a crucial role in shaping her later constitutional roles, including her appointment as Governor and eventually her elevation to the office of President of India.

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Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021)

In 2015, Droupadi Murmu was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, becoming the first woman governor of the state. Her tenure as governor was widely praised for its constitutional balance and sensitivity toward tribal rights.

One of the most important aspects of her governorship was her firm stand on tribal land rights. She returned several state bills related to land acquisition, stating that they could harm tribal interests. This move earned her respect among tribal communities and civil society groups.

As Governor, she maintained the dignity of the office, avoided political controversy, and focused on constitutional responsibilities. Her calm and principled approach strengthened her reputation at the national level.

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Personal Struggles and Strength

Droupadi Murmu’s life has not been free from pain. She faced immense personal tragedy when she lost her husband and two sons within a short span of time. Despite this emotional devastation, she did not withdraw from public life. Instead, she showed extraordinary mental strength and continued to serve society.

Her ability to endure loss with dignity and still carry out public duties is one of the most inspiring aspects of her life. It made her a symbol of resilience for millions of Indians.

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Election as the President of India (2022)

In 2022, Droupadi Murmu was nominated as the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Her candidature itself was historic, as it represented tribal communities at the highest constitutional level for the first time.

She won the election with a comfortable majority and was sworn in as the 15th President of India on 25 July 2022. With this, she became:

• The first tribal woman President of India

• The second woman President after Pratibha Patil

• One of the youngest Presidents in India’s history

Her election was widely celebrated across the country, especially in tribal regions.

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Role and Responsibilities as President

As President, Droupadi Murmu serves as the constitutional head of India. Her role includes:

• Giving assent to laws passed by Parliament

• Appointing the Prime Minister, Governors, and Judges

• Acting as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces

• Upholding the Constitution and democratic values

Though the role is largely ceremonial, the President plays a crucial moral and constitutional role in guiding the nation.

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Why Droupadi Murmu Is So Significant

Droupadi Murmu’s presidency is significant for many reasons:

She represents social inclusion in the truest sense.
She gives a strong voice to tribal identity and dignity.
She proves that leadership can come from humility and honesty.
She inspires women and marginalized communities to dream big.
She strengthens faith in India’s democratic system.

Her life shows that power does not always come from privilege—sometimes it comes from perseverance.

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Leadership Style and Personality

Droupadi Murmu is known for her simplicity, discipline, humility, and silence-driven leadership. She avoids unnecessary controversy and focuses on constitutional duties. Her speeches often highlight education, tribal welfare, women empowerment, environment protection, and inclusive development.

She believes in listening more than speaking and in service more than symbolism.

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Conclusion: A President Who Represents Real India

Droupadi Murmu is not just the President of India; she is the President of aspirations. Her journey reflects the real India—diverse, resilient, and democratic. From a tribal village in Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan, her life story sends a powerful message: India belongs to everyone.

She stands as a reminder that the Constitution is not just a document, but a living promise of equality, opportunity, and dignity for all citizens.