From a Village in Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan: The Definitive Biography of Droupadi Murmu
The journey from a small, remote village in Odisha to the highest constitutional office in the nation is a story of extraordinary resilience, quiet determination, and historic achievement. Droupadi Murmu, the 15th President of India, embodies this remarkable journey. As the first person from a tribal community and the second woman to hold the post, her life story is not just a personal victory but a powerful symbol of empowerment for millions of marginalized Indians. This is the definitive story of her life, from her humble beginnings to her tenure in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
(Quick Facts Table):
| Full Name | Droupadi Murmu (born Puti Biranchi Tudu) |
| Profession | Politician, 15th President of India |
| Born | 20 June 1958, Uparbeda, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Spouse | Late Shyam Charan Murmu (Banker) |
| Children | Itishree Murmu (Daughter), Two deceased sons |
| Known For | First Tribal President of India, Former Governor of Jharkhand |
Early Life and Education: The First Woman to Leave the Village
Born on June 20, 1958, into a Santhali tribal family in the Uparbeda village of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, Droupadi Murmu’s early life was marked by the challenges typical of a remote, underdeveloped region. Her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, was a farmer who served as the village headman, a role her grandfather also held. From a young age, she displayed a keen intellect and a powerful desire for education.
Initially named “Puti” by her family, her name was changed to Droupadi by a school teacher. After completing her primary education in the local village school, she made the bold decision to move to Bhubaneswar for higher studies—a step no woman from her village had ever taken before. This move set the foundation for her future. She completed her high school education and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ramadevi Women’s College (now Ramadevi Women’s University) in Bhubaneswar.
A Quiet Career Before Politics
Before entering the political arena, Droupadi Murmu began her professional life in public service and education.
- State Government Clerk: From 1979 to 1983, she worked as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation and Power Department of the Government of Odisha.
- Educator: In 1994, she found her calling as a teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur, where she served until 1997. This role allowed her to contribute directly to the development of children in her community.
The Political Journey: From Councillor to Governor
Droupadi Murmu’s political career began at the grassroots level in 1997 when she was elected as a councillor for the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. This victory marked her formal entry into public life. She soon joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose through the ranks.
- Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA): She won the state assembly election from the Rairangpur constituency twice, serving as an MLA from 2000 to 2009.
- State Minister in Odisha: During the BJP-BJD coalition government in Odisha, she handled crucial portfolios as a Minister of State with Independent Charge for Commerce and Transport (2000-2002) and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (2002-2004).
- Best MLA Award: Her dedication and performance as a legislator were recognized in 2007 when she was awarded the prestigious “Nilakantha Award” for the best MLA by the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
Governor of Jharkhand: A Principled Stand
In 2015, Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first woman Governor of Jharkhand, a position she held until 2021. She was also the first woman and tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed as a governor in any Indian state.
Her tenure was most notably defined by her firm handling of two controversial tenancy bills in 2017. The BJP government in Jharkhand, led by Chief Minister Raghubar Das, had passed amendments to the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act. These amendments would have made it easier to use tribal land for commercial purposes.
Facing massive protests from tribal communities, Governor Murmu took a principled stand. She refused to give her assent to the bills and returned them to the state government, insisting that the amendments were not in the best interest of the tribal people. This decision was widely praised and cemented her reputation as a defender of tribal rights.
The Presidency (2022 – Present)
In June 2022, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominated Droupadi Murmu as its candidate for the presidential election. She was pitted against the opposition’s candidate, Yashwant Sinha. Garnering widespread support from numerous parties beyond the NDA, she secured a decisive victory on July 21, 2022.
On July 25, 2022, she was sworn in as the 15th President of India, marking several historic firsts:
- The first person from a tribal community to hold the office.
- The second woman to become President, after Pratibha Patil.
- The youngest person to assume the presidency.
- The first Indian President to be born in independent India.
As President, she has championed various social causes, including launching the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat’ campaign to eradicate tuberculosis from the country.
Personal Life and Tragedies
Behind her public success lies a story of immense personal tragedy and resilience. In 1980, she married Shyam Charan Murmu, a banker. The couple had two sons and a daughter. However, between 2009 and 2015, she faced a series of devastating losses, losing her husband, both sons, her mother, and a brother.
Despite these profound personal hardships, she remained steadfast in her commitment to public service. She is a follower of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement, which she credits with helping her cope with her grief. Her surviving daughter, Itishree Murmu, works in the banking sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Droupadi Murmu
What is Droupadi Murmu’s original name?
Her birth name was Puti Biranchi Tudu. The name Droupadi was given to her by one of her school teachers during her primary education.
Which tribe does Droupadi Murmu belong to?
She belongs to the Santhal tribe, which is one of the largest and most prominent tribal communities in India, primarily residing in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
What major decision is Governor Murmu known for?
As the Governor of Jharkhand, she is widely praised for her 2017 decision to return the controversial amendments to the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act. This move protected tribal land rights and cemented her reputation as a defender of her community’s interests.
Who was the first tribal President of India?
Droupadi Murmu holds the historic distinction of being the first person from a designated tribal community to be elected as the President of India, making her a symbol of empowerment and a source of immense pride for tribal communities across the nation.
References
- Official Website of the President of India
- Profile on the website of the Government of Jharkhand
- News articles from The Times of India and The Hindu covering her election and tenure.