Droupadi Murmu: 10 Amazing Facts
Born on June 20, 1958, in the village of Baidaposi in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, Droupadi Murmu (also spelled as Draupadi Murmu ) has risen to become the 15th President of India, a historic first for the tribal community. At 66 years old, she hails from the Santhal tribe, one of India’s largest indigenous groups. Her journey from a small village in Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in a simple, rural environment, Murmu has faced personal struggles and loss but remained deeply rooted in her commitment to public service and Hindu faith.
10 key facts about Droupadi Murmu that highlight her incredible journey:
1. First Tribal President of India
Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first tribal woman and the second woman ever to hold the office of President in India. This milestone is a significant leap in Indian politics, especially for underrepresented tribal communities.
2. Born in Odisha
Murmu was born in Baidaposi, a small village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. This region is known for its large tribal population and is one of the most underdeveloped districts in the state.
3. Political Journey in Odisha
Before stepping onto the national stage, Murmu served as an MLA in Odisha from the Rairangpur constituency. She was a member of the BJP and held various cabinet positions in the state government, including transport, commerce, and fisheries.
4. Governor of Jharkhand
From 2015 to 2021, Murmu served as the Governor of Jharkhand, becoming the first female to hold this position in the state. She was well-regarded for standing firm on issues concerning tribal rights and land laws.
5. Focus on Tribal Rights
Throughout her career, Murmu has been a vocal advocate for the rights of tribal communities. She worked to uplift marginalized sections of society, ensuring their inclusion in the development process.
6. Background in Education
Before her political career, Murmu worked as a school teacher. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar. Her passion for education has remained a central theme in her work, especially for underprivileged girls.
7. Personal Losses
Murmu has faced immense personal tragedy, losing both of her sons and her husband over the span of a few years. Despite these heartbreaking losses, she continued to serve her community and nation with resilience.
8. First Woman from Odisha to Become President
Droupadi Murmu is the first person from Odisha to hold the office of President. Her election marked a monumental achievement for the state, which has long been underrepresented in Indian politics at the national level.
9. Strong Leadership in Environmental Issues
During her tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, Murmu stood firm on environmental protection, particularly opposing amendments that would have allowed industrial encroachments on tribal lands.
10. President of India in 2022
In July 2022, Murmu was elected as the 15th President of India. Her election represented a broad political consensus, as she received support from parties across the political spectrum, a testament to her widespread appeal and representation of marginalized communities.
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Lesser-Known Facts About Droupadi Murmu
While the 10 key facts illustrate her remarkable career and milestones, here are some lesser-known facts that add a deeper layer to her story:
1. Her Birth Name Was Puti Tudu
Not many people know that Droupadi Murmu’s birth name was Puti Tudu. Her grandfather later changed her name to Droupadi, inspired by the strong character from the Mahabharata, reflecting the cultural significance of names in tribal traditions.
2. A Simple and Humble Lifestyle
Despite her rise to power, Murmu continues to live a simple, humble lifestyle. Even during her tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, she avoided luxury, staying true to her roots. Her down-to-earth personality has made her approachable and well-respected among those she serves.
3. Spiritual Strength Through Raja Yoga
Murmu is deeply spiritual and practices Raja Yoga meditation, a discipline taught by the Brahma Kumaris. She credits this practice with helping her cope with personal tragedies and maintaining emotional balance during tough times.
4. A Humanitarian at Heart
Beyond her official roles, Murmu has always been involved in humanitarian causes. She works quietly behind the scenes to support initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and improving access to education for tribal children.
5. Establishing Scholarships in Memory of Her Sons
After the death of her two sons, Murmu set up scholarship programs in their memory to support the education of poor, meritorious students from her region. This reflects her deep commitment to giving back to society, especially in the field of education.
6. First Female Governor of Jharkhand
Not only is she the first tribal woman President, but she was also the first female Governor of Jharkhand. Her tenure was marked by her firm stance on preserving tribal land rights and opposing changes that would harm the tribal communities.
7. Passionate Advocate for Girls’ Education
Murmu has consistently pushed for girls’ education, especially in rural and tribal areas. She has been part of several initiatives aimed at reducing the gender gap in education and improving literacy rates among girls in underprivileged communities.
8. Personal Resilience in the Face of Tragedy
Droupadi Murmu’s personal resilience is one of the most remarkable aspects of her life. Despite the tragic losses of her sons and husband, she continued her public service, driven by her dedication to her community and her spiritual practices.
9. Scholarship Foundations
In a bid to make education accessible to everyone, Murmu started scholarship foundations in her sons’ names. These scholarships aim to uplift underprivileged and meritorious students, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education.
10. Her Contributions to Rural Development
Long before she became a politician, Murmu was actively involved in rural development projects. She worked on grassroots initiatives to improve living standards in tribal and remote areas, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to community welfare.
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FAQs
She belongs to Santhali Tribe.
Draupadi Murmu was married to Shyam Charan Murmu. He was a banker was passed away in 2014.
Draupadi Murmu belongs to Odisha.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil is the first President of India.
Currently (2025) Ms Droupadi Murmu is the President of India.