Draupadi Murmu: A Biography
I. Introduction
Draupadi Murmu is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She emerged as the leading NDA presidential candidate in the 2022 presidential election, facing opposition from Yashwant Sinha. Draupadi Murmu hails from Rairangpur in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and is a distinguished tribal leader. If elected, she would be the first tribal and the second woman to hold the highest political position in India.
Draupadi Murmu has been serving as the 15th President of India since July 25, 2022. Her political journey is marked by her association with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
II. Early Life
Birth and Family Background
Draupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in a Santhali tribe in Uparbeda village of Mayurbhanj, Odisha. Her father and grandfather were both elected as sarpanch under the Panchayati Raj system.
Personal Struggles
Murmu faced significant personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, and her two sons within a span of four years. Despite these challenges, she has remained resilient and continued to achieve monumental success in her public life.
Family
She is accompanied by her only daughter, Itishree Murmu, a bank employee, and her son-in-law, Ganesh Hembram, a rugby player. Draupadi Murmu is also a follower of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement.
III. Career and Achievements
Education
Draupadi Murmu completed her elementary education at the local primary school in Uparbeda. She later moved to Bhubaneswar for higher studies, completing her secondary education at Girl’s High School Unit-2 and earning a B.A. degree from Rama Devi Women’s College.
Professional Journey
| Period | Role |
|---|---|
| 1979-1983 | Worked as a junior assistant at the irrigation department of the Government of Odisha |
| 1994-1997 | Served as a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur, teaching Hindi, Odia, Maths, and Geography |
| 1997 | Joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and was elected as a councilor of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat |
| 2000 | Became the chairperson of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat |
| 2000-2004 | Served as Minister of State with independent charge for Commerce and Transport, and later for Fisheries and Animal Resource Development in the BJP-BJD coalition government in Odisha |
| 2007 | Received the Nikantha Award for Best MLA by the Odisha Legislative Assembly |
IV. Personal Life
Notable Achievements
- First tribal woman to serve as the President of India.
- First President of India born after independence.
- First woman governor of Jharkhand.
- First tribal woman to become a full-time governor of any Indian state.
Family and Personal Challenges
Murmu’s marriage brought significant emotional challenges, including the loss of her husband and two sons. However, she continued her public service with diligence and compassion despite these personal tragedies.
Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Draupadi Murmu |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1958 |
| Age | 64 |
| Father’s Name | Biranchi Narayan Tudu |
| Siblings | Bhagat Tudu and Sarani Tudu |
| Husband’s Name | Late Shyam Charan Murmu |
| Children | Itishri Murmu, Laxman Murmu |
| Birth Place | Baidaposi Village, Odisha |
| Hometown | Mayurbhanj, Odisha |
| School | K.B. HS Uparbeda School, Mayurbhanj |
| College | Rama Devi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| Educational Qualifications | B.A. |
| Hobbies | Reading and Knitting |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Ethnicity | Santhal Tribe |
| Category | Scheduled Tribe |
| Profession | Politician |
| Political Affiliation | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Award | Neelkanth Award for Best MLA by Odisha Legislative Assembly 2007 |
| Net Worth | ₹ 6,10,000 (as of 2009) |
V. Legacy
Social Contributions
Draupadi Murmu has been actively involved with various social organizations, particularly those focusing on the socio-educational and cultural upliftment of Adivasi communities.
Governor of Jharkhand
In 2015, Murmu was appointed as the governor of Jharkhand. She created history as the first governor to complete a full term and served an additional year before leaving office in 2021. Her tenure was marked by significant decisions, including the rejection of two controversial bills that would have impacted tribal land rights, earning her praise from various quarters.
VI. Conclusion
Draupadi Murmu’s political career began in 1997 when she was elected as a councilor for the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. She has held several significant positions, including ministerial roles in the Odisha government and serving as the governor of Jharkhand.
In 2022, she was nominated by the BJP as their presidential candidate, a testament to her enduring influence and dedication to public service. Draupadi Murmu also runs a school providing free education to Adivasi children and has a rich legacy of contributing to society, despite facing personal adversities.
Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving her community and the nation.
1. What is Draupadi Murmu’s educational background?
She holds a B.A. degree from Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
2. When did Draupadi Murmu start her political career?
Her political career began in 1997 when she was elected as a councilor for the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat.
3. What significant personal challenges has Draupadi Murmu faced?
She faced significant personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband and two sons within a span of four years.
4. What notable achievements does Draupadi Murmu have?
She is the first tribal woman to serve as the President of India and the first woman governor of Jharkhand, among other achievements.
5. What role did Draupadi Murmu play as the Governor of Jharkhand?
As Governor, she notably rejected two controversial bills that would have impacted tribal land rights, earning her praise for her sensitivity and dedication to tribal communities.