Droupadi Murmu: India’s First Tribal Woman President

 

Droupadi Murmu, the 15th President of India, is a trailblazer from the Santhal tribe, symbolizing resilience and inclusivity. From a humble village in Odisha to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, her journey through politics and public service inspires millions. Below is her remarkable story, political career, and legacy as of 2025.

 

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## Early Life: Roots in Odisha’s Tribal Heartland

– **Born**: June 20, 1958, Uparbeda village, Mayurbhanj, Odisha

– **Tribe**: Santhal (Scheduled Tribe)

– **Education**: B.A., B.Ed., Rama Devi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar

– **Early Career**: Junior assistant in Odisha’s Irrigation Department; teacher in Bhubaneswar

 

Raised in a farming family, Droupadi Murmu overcame economic challenges to pursue education. Her early roles in administration and teaching shaped her commitment to public service, particularly for tribal communities.

 

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## Political Journey: Grassroots to National Leadership

Murmu’s political career, rooted in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reflects her dedication to tribal welfare, women’s empowerment, and rural development.

 

### Local Governance (1997–2000)

– Elected councillor, Rairangpur Notified Area Council, Mayurbhanj

– As chairperson, improved sanitation, water access, and infrastructure in tribal areas

 

### Odisha Legislative Assembly (2000–2009)

– **Elected MLA**: Rairangpur constituency (2000, 2004)

– **Ministerial Roles** (2000–2004, BJP-BJD coalition):

  – Minister of State for Commerce and Transport (2000–2002)

  – Minister of State for Irrigation and Power (2002–2004)

– Advocated for tribal land rights, forest conservation, and anti-corruption measures

– Lost 2009 election but continued as BJP Mahila Morcha state president (2013–2015)

 

### Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021)

– First woman and tribal Governor of Jharkhand

– Promoted tribal education, women’s safety, and PESA Act implementation

– Handled political crises, including 2019 assembly dissolution

– Received Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana Award (2018) for tribal welfare

 

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## Presidency: A Historic Milestone (2022–Present)

On July 25, 2022, Droupadi Murmu became India’s 15th President, the first from a tribal community and Odisha, and the second woman in the role.

 

– **Election**: Won with 64.03% votes, defeating Yashwant Sinha

– **Key Achievements**:

  – Launched PM-JANMAN for tribal development (2023)

  – Inaugurated Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum, New Delhi

  – Promoted digital education and women in STEM via President’s Scholarship Scheme

  – Advocated sustainable development at UN General Assembly (2023)

  – Strengthened India’s global ties with state visits (e.g., Fiji, Bhutan)

– **Honors**: Order of the Druk Gyalpo (Bhutan, 2023), honorary doctorate

 

Her presidency embodies “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Inclusion for All), focusing on marginalized communities while fulfilling constitutional duties.

 

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## Personal Life and Legacy

– **Family**: Married Shyam Charan Murmu (deceased); two sons (one deceased)

– **Values**: Simplicity, spirituality (Santhal traditions, Hinduism), yoga

– **Languages**: Odia, Hindi, English, Santhali

 

Despite personal tragedies, Murmu’s resilience and dedication to tribal rights and gender equality shine. Her rise from rural Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan underscores India’s commitment to diversity and equality under Article 14.

 

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## Why Droupadi Murmu Matters

As India’s first tribal woman President, Murmu inspires hope for underrepresented communities. Her career—spanning grassroots governance, state leadership, and the presidency—highlights her as a beacon of progress. Follow her journey at [Rashtrapati Bhavan’s official site](https://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/) for updates.