In this article, we have discussed Draupadi Murmu biography, India’s 15th and current President. Born in a remote village in Odisha, she began her political journey with the BJP.
Introduction
The life of Draupadi Murmu is a true testament to resilience, leadership, and empowerment. Her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer continues to capture the hearts of many. Born in the peaceful landscapes of Jharkhand, India, she is a remarkable personality with an enduring legacy. This comprehensive biography deeply delves into Draupadi Murmu’s life, exploring her early beginnings, challenges, and remarkable achievements.
Who is Droupadi Murmu
Droupadi Murmu, formerly Puti Biranchi Tudu, is a prominent Indian politician and former teacher who became India’s 15th President in 2022. She is a trailblazer as the first person from the tribal community to hold the office, following in the footsteps of Pratibha Patil as the second woman to do so. Additionally, she is the youngest person and the first President born in independent India to occupy the post.
She has held various positions in her career, including serving as the 8th Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. Before that, she was a member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, representing the Rairangpur Assembly constituency from 2000 to 2009. She also served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Government of Odisha from 2000 to 2004. Before venturing into politics, she worked as a clerk in the State Irrigation and Power Department from 1979 to 1983. Later, she worked as a teacher in Rairangpur from 1994 until 1997.
Draupadi Murmu Biography: Personal life
Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda village in the Baidaposi region of Rairangpur, Odisha. She was born into a Santali family, and her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, was a farmer. Her father and grandfather were both traditional heads (Sarpanch) of the village council (Gram Panchayat). Initially, Droupadi was named Puti Tudu by her family, but her school teacher later changed her name to Draupadi. In the past, her name has been written as Durpadi and Dorpdi.
Murmu received her elementary education at the local primary school in Upar Beda. At age 5, she moved to Bhubaneswar to continue her studies. She completed her secondary education at Girl’s High School Unit-2 and earned a B.A. from Rama Devi Women’s College.
In 1980, she married Shyam Charan Murmu, a banker, and they had two sons and a daughter. Unfortunately, from 2009 to 2015, she lost her husband, two sons, mother, and brother in just seven years. She is a devoted follower of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement.
Murmu deeply admires the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, for his leadership and contributions to Indian politics. She also holds Mahatma Gandhi in high esteem for his role in India’s independence movement and his advocacy for nonviolent resistance. Additionally, she appreciates the work of B. R. Ambedkar, a social reformer and politician who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution and fighting for the rights of marginalized communities.
| Name | Draupadi Murmu |
| Date of Birth: | June 20, 1958 |
| Age: | 64 |
| Father’s Name: | Biranchi Narayan Tudu |
| Husband’s Name: | Late Shyam Charan Murmu |
| Children: | Itishri Murmu |
| Hometown: | Mayurbhanj, Odisha |
| Education Qualification: | B.A. |
| College: | Rama Devi Women’s College, Bhubaneshwar |
| Ethnicity: | Santhal Tribe |
| Award: | Nilkantha Award for Best MLA in 2007 |
Draupadi Murmu Biography: Early career
During the period spanning from 1979 to 1983, Murmu was employed as a junior assistant at the Irrigation Department of the Government of Odisha. In this role, she likely contributed to managing and maintaining various irrigation systems throughout the state.
Later in her career, from 1994 to 1997, Murmu took up a teaching position at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur. She imparted her students knowledge in Hindi, Odia, mathematics, and geography at the school. Interestingly, it should be noted that she has yet to claim a full salary for her services rendered at the school.
Political career
Droupadi Murmu made history in 1997 when she contested and won a seat on the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat council as an independent candidate. Her victory was remarkable because she ran for a seat reserved for women and became the first woman from her community to achieve this feat. Murmu’s success was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to representing the people of Rairangpur. Later on, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and continued to serve her constituents with distinction.
She was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2000 from the Rairangpur constituency and served two terms until 2009. Back then, the BJP and BJD were in a coalition government in Odisha. She was appointed Minister of State with Independent Charge of Commerce and Transportation from March 6, 2000, to August 6, 2002. Later, she became Minister of State for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development from August 6, 2002, to May 16, 2004.
In 2007, she received the Nilkanth Award for being the Best MLA of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. However, in 2009, she lost the Lok Sabha election from the Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha constituency as the alliance between BJD and BJP had ended. Later, in 2013, she was elected to the BJP National Executive (ST Morcha) and served as the district president until 2015.
Also Read Nitin Gadkari’s Biography
A Journey of Empowerment
Draupadi Murmu’s educational journey was filled with challenges, but her unwavering determination to excel helped her overcome them. Her passion for education inspired her to pursue higher studies, becoming a role model for young girls in her village who dream of breaking free from traditional and societal norms. Murmu’s story serves as a testament to the positive impact of education in breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
Breaking Barriers and Shattering Norms
Draupadi Murmu’s life transformed significantly as she entered the political world. With her unwavering dedication and determination, she challenged the conventional norms of male-dominated politics and emerged as a formidable force. Her ascent to political leadership marked a new era where her voice resonated with the aspirations of the marginalized and underrepresented sections of society, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.
The Path of Leadership
Draupadi Murmu, a prominent figure in Indian politics, achieved a significant milestone in her career by becoming the first woman tribal governor of Jharkhand. This achievement was a true testament to her hard work and dedication over the years. Her tenure as a governor was marked by her relentless efforts to improve the lives of the marginalized communities in the state.
She worked hard to bridge the gap between the government and the tribal communities, who had long been deprived of basic amenities and opportunities. Under her leadership, several transformative policies were implemented to address the root causes of social and economic inequalities. Draupadi Murmu’s legacy is one of inclusivity and representation, and her contributions to the state of Jharkhand will be remembered for years.
Draupadi Murmu: Governor of Jharkhand
Draupadi Murmu broke barriers and made history on May 9, 2015, when she became the first woman governor of Jharkhand. Her appointment as governor is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she inspires women across India.
In 2017, Draupadi Murmu, who was serving as the governor of Jharkhand, made a significant decision when she refused to permit a bill approved by the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. The bill sought to make amendments to the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act 1908 and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act 1949, which would have allowed tribals to use their land for commercial purposes while ensuring that the ownership of the land remained unchanged.
However, Murmu’s refusal to pass the bill was not arbitrary. She asked for an explanation from the then BJP-led government, headed by Raghuvar Das, about the potential impact these changes would have on the well-being of the tribals. By doing so, she demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that the rights of the tribals were not being compromised in any way.
This decision highlights the importance of understanding the implications of proposed policy changes. Leaders like Murmu can ensure they make informed and equitable decisions by seeking clarification and considering the potential impact on marginalised communities.
Draupadi Murmu: NDA’s Leading Presidential Candidate
In June 2022, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced Draupadi Murmu as the National Democratic Alliance’s candidate for the upcoming Presidential election in India. As part of her presidential campaign for 2022, she embarked on a tour to various states to gain support for her candidature from BJP lawmakers as well as other opposition parties.
During her visit, Draupadi Murmu met with leaders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party in Jharkhand, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh, and the Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) in Karnataka, among many other prominent opposition parties. Through these meetings, she hoped to build a coalition of political support and secure a victory in the Presidential election.
However, it is worth noting that Draupadi Murmu did not visit any of the Eastern states during her campaign. Despite this, her efforts were seen as a significant attempt to unify the opposition parties and strengthen the BJP’s position in the upcoming Presidential race.
FAQs
Q1: Is Draupadi Murmu a real person?
A1: Yes, she is amazing and does great things for her community.
Q2: What is Jharkhand?
A2: Jharkhand is a state in India where Draupadi lives and works.
Q3: Can I be a leader like Draupadi?
A3: Absolutely! Anyone can be a leader by caring for others and making positive changes.
Q4: How can I help my community?
A4: You can help by being kind, picking up litter, and doing things that make people smile.