Smt. Droupadi Murmu: India’s 15th President

Early Life and Education

Smt. Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in a Santhali tribal family in Uparbeda village, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. Her early years were marked by significant challenges and hardships. Despite these difficulties, she completed her primary education in her village and then independently moved to Bhubaneswar to continue her studies. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ramadevi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar, becoming the first woman from her village to achieve this milestone.

Professional Career

Smt. Murmu began her career in 1979 as a Junior Assistant in the Irrigation and Power Department of the Government of Odisha, a role she held until 1983. Later, from 1994 to 1997, she contributed to education as an honorary teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre in Rairangpur.

Public Life and Political Career

In 2000, Smt. Murmu was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rairangpur in Odisha, serving until 2009. During this time, she held several important positions, including:

• Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Commerce and Transport (March 6, 2000 – August 6, 2002)
• Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (August 6, 2002 – May 16, 2004)

During her tenure, she introduced several innovative and people-centric initiatives. She was also an active member and chairperson of various committees in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Her exemplary work as a legislator earned her the Pandit Nilkanth Das – Best Legislator Award in 2007.

Governorship of Jharkhand

On May 18, 2015, Smt. Murmu became the Governor of Jharkhand, making history as the first woman from a tribal community to hold this position in a tribal-majority state. Her tenure was widely praised for her dedication to constitutional values and her advocacy for tribal rights. She also implemented significant reforms in the examination and recruitment processes of state universities, earning respect from leaders across political parties.

Other Interests and Personal Life

Smt. Murmu has been actively involved in various tribal socio-educational and cultural organizations in Odisha. She is an avid reader with a deep interest in spirituality.

In 1981, she married (late) Shyam Charan Murmu, a bank officer. They have a daughter, Smt. Itishree Murmu, and a son-in-law, Shri Ganesh Hembram, who is a rugby player.

Tours and State Visits

As President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has traveled extensively within the country and internationally to enhance India’s global presence. Some notable visits include:

• United Kingdom (2022)
• State Visits to Suriname and Serbia (2023): She was the first Indian to receive Suriname’s highest honor, the “Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star”.
• Republic of Mauritius (March 2024): She was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the University of Mauritius.