Droupadi Murmu Biography: Life, Political Career, and Legacy of the 15th President of India
Quick Overview: Key Highlights
Droupadi Murmu made history on July 25, 2022, by becoming the first tribal individual and the second woman to hold the office of President of India. Hailing from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, her journey from a grassroots educator to the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces stands as an inspiring testament to resilience, integrity, and public service.
Early Life and Educational Background
Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in Udarbeshi village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Belonging to the Santhal indigenous community, she grew up in a traditional rural family where her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, and grandfather were village headmen (Pradhans).
Despite facing significant economic hardships and the lack of educational infrastructure in her village, Murmu pursued her education with determination. She completed her graduation in Arts from Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar. Before entering active politics, she worked as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation Department of Odisha and later served as an honorary teacher at the Shri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Institute in Rairangpur.
Political Journey and Public Service
Murmu’s political career began in 1997 when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected as a councillor in the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. Recognizing her dedication to public welfare, she rose rapidly through the political ranks in Odisha.
Key Milestones in Odisha Politics:
- 1997: Elected Councillor and Vice-Chairperson of Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat.
- 2000 & 2004: Elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rairangpur constituency.
- 2000 – 2004: Served as Minister of State (Independent Charge) handling Commerce, Transport, Fisheries, and Animal Resources Development.
- 2007: Conferred with the prestigious Nilkantha Award for the Best MLA by the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
Tenure as Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021)
In May 2015, Droupadi Murmu was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, making her the first female tribal leader to hold a gubernatorial post in an Indian state. She holds the distinction of being the first Governor of Jharkhand to complete a full five-year term.
During her tenure as Governor, she earned widespread respect for her balanced constitutional approach, active engagement with tribal communities, and emphasis on higher education reforms across universities in Jharkhand.
Presidency (2022–Present)
In June 2022, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominated Droupadi Murmu as its candidate for the Presidential election. Winning with a decisive majority against opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha, she took the oath of office on July 25, 2022, administered by Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana.
Historic Significance of Her Election:
- First person from a Scheduled Tribe (ST) background to become President of India.
- Second woman to hold the office after Pratibha Patil.
- Youngest person ever elected to the office of President of India at age 64.
- First President born in independent India (post-1947).
Conclusion:
President Droupadi Murmu’s life story reflects the strength of Indian democracy and serves as a lighthouse of hope for millions of marginalized citizens, women, and youth across the nation. Her humble demeanor and constitutional stewardship continue to inspire future generations.


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