Droupadi Murmu: From Odisha’s Tribal Roots to Becoming India’s First Tribal Woman President
Droupadi Murmu is a respected Indian political leader who made history by becoming the first tribal woman to serve as the President of India. Her nomination by the ruling NDA alliance in 2022 marked a significant moment in Indian politics, and her election to the country’s highest constitutional office became a milestone for tribal representation and women in leadership.
Biography
Droupadi Murmu was born on 20 June 1958 in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. She grew up in Baldaposi village and completed her schooling at K.B. HS Uparbeda School in her hometown. She later moved to Bhubaneswar, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rama Devi Women’s College in 1979. Her early education shaped her interest in social service and public administration.
Physical Appearance
Height: Approx. 5 ft 5 in
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family Background
Her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, worked as a farmer, and both her father and grandfather served as village headmen, which exposed her to community leadership from an early age. She has two brothers, Bhagat Tudu and Sarani Tudu.
Husband and Children
Droupadi Murmu was married to Shyam Charan Murmu, who worked as a bank officer until his passing in 2014. She had two sons, including Laxman Murmu, and both sons passed away at a young age. She has faced significant personal loss but continued her work in public life with determination and resilience.
Religion
She practices Hinduism.
Community and Ethnicity
She belongs to a Scheduled Tribe community and is associated with the Santhal tribal group.
Address
Her permanent residence is located in Baldaposi village in the Rairangpur region of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
Changes in Name
She was given the name Puti at birth, but later adopted the name Droupadi following a suggestion from a school teacher. During her student years, she used the surname Tudu, and after her marriage, she began using the surname Murmu.
Political Career
Droupadi Murmu began her political journey in 1997 after becoming a councillor in Rairangpur. She also served as the Vice-Chairperson of the area and worked in departments related to transport, commerce, fisheries, and animal husbandry between 2000 and 2004.
She won the assembly elections from Rairangpur in 2004 and served as a Minister while representing the Bharatiya Janata Party. She won the seat again and continued to strengthen her leadership role.
In 2006, she became the District President of the BJP in Mayurbhanj and also served as the State President of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha until 2009.
Constitutional Roles
Governor of Jharkhand
In May 2015, she became the ninth Governor of Jharkhand and served in the role until 2021, becoming the first tribal woman to complete a full term.
President of India
In 2022, she was selected as the presidential candidate by the NDA alliance, and on 21 July 2022, she was elected as the 15th President of India, becoming the first tribal woman to hold the office.
Early Career in Education and Government
Before entering politics, she worked as an assistant teacher at the Shri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur. Earlier, she worked as a junior assistant in the irrigation department of Odisha from 1979 to 1983.
Award and Recognition
In 2007, she received the Nilkantha Award from the Odisha Legislative Assembly for her work as an MLA.
Personal Assets
Movable Assets
- Cash holdings: Approx. ₹1,80,000
- Bank and financial deposits: Around ₹5,05,000
- Insurance policy value: Nearly ₹1,30,000
- Jewellery: Estimated at ₹2,60,000
- Total declared movable assets: About ₹10,75,000
Net Worth
According to public records, her estimated net worth in 2009 was around ₹6,10,000.
Facts and Trivia
- She enjoys reading and knitting.
- She left her government role in 1983 to care for her children.
- She was the first Governor of Jharkhand to complete a five-year term.
- In 2016, she met the parents of actor Pratyusha Banerjee after her passing.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Droupadi Murmu’s journey reflects a powerful story of perseverance, leadership, and social progress. Rising from a tribal community in Odisha to the highest constitutional role in India, she has become a symbol of representation and pride for millions across the nation. Her work in public life, along with her resilience through personal challenges, makes her an inspiring figure for women, young leaders, and underrepresented communities. Her tenure continues to draw attention and respect, highlighting her role in shaping modern India. Her life story remains a reminder that dedication, humility, and service can open doors to historic achievements.