As India’s first tribal and youngest-ever President Droupadi Murmu celebrates her 67th birthday today, the nation reflects on a life story that is as inspiring as it is humbling—a tale of resilience, dedication, and dignity.
Born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda, a remote village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, Murmu belongs to the Santhal tribal community. Overcoming deep personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband and two sons, she rose steadily through the ranks of public life with rare courage and compassion.
Originally named Puti Tudu, her school teacher renamed her Droupadi, inspired by the strong mythological character from the Mahabharata. Her father and grandfather were both village sarpanchs, laying the early foundation for a life devoted to public service.
She became the first woman from her village to graduate, earning her BA from Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar. Her early career included working as a junior assistant in the Irrigation Department (1979–1983) and later as a school teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre (1994–1997).
A follower of Raja Yoga through the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement, Murmu has credited her spiritual discipline with helping her navigate both political and personal challenges.
In 2015, she became the first tribal and first woman Governor of Jharkhand, where she notably stood up for tribal rights by returning two controversial land bills to the state government in 2017. In 2022, she made history again as the 15th President of India, being both the youngest to take office (at age 64) and the first tribal woman to hold the post.
Continuing to uphold inclusivity, she swore in Justice B.R. Gavai as India’s first Buddhist and second Dalit Chief Justice in May 2025—marking a historic constitutional moment.
Despite the high office, President Murmu is widely admired for her simple lifestyle, commitment to tribal welfare, and strong educational values. Her story remains a beacon of hope for millions, especially among India’s marginalized communities.
