President Droupadi Murmu: A Reflection of Changing Bharat

Day of Yoga, and I was in my hometown Rairangpur. In no time, I found myself in front of the television to see that our very own Droupadi Murmu had been nominated as the Presidential candidate of National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The whole household jumped with joy, and we soon came out of our home to share the news with everyone around. We then proceeded towards her home near our place. My father insisted on taking a bouquet and all the florists had closed by then. We had to reopen a florist’s shop to make a bouquet and proceed towards her home nearby.

Droupadi didi’s first reaction after seeing me was to ask me when I returned to my hometown Rairangpur from my workplace at Sri Sri University, Cuttack. On seeing my father, both got emotional, and tears of gratitude rolled out from their eyes which were captured as the first broadcast shot of the day. People started pouring in, and the day turned to night. However, Rairangpur town did not sleep that night. She soon moved to New Delhi and the process of her nomination, campaigning, election, swearing in etc followed. The media had gathered in her hometown, her birthplace, her in-laws’ village and the residential school in that village. I accompanied many media personnel to curate her unique story. It was during this time, that many well-wishers of Droupadi Murmu expressed that they wanted an authentic biographical sketch to be written on her. Though I was quite fascinated with the idea,

However, writing a book on her was not an easy task. I had thought because of my being an acquaintance, it would not too difficult. But I discovered a huge part of her personality in the nine- month research that went into writing an authentic biographical sketch on the magnificent personality called Droupadi Murmu. My reverence for her increased manifold from the core of my heart, for the values she has internalised throughout her life despite all odds. She embraced challenges with an undying smile while serving people for the last three decades through teaching, participating in the socio-cultural life of tribals, and of course politics. It is also a sweet coincidence that she wrote a message for my first book, ‘Human Values and Ethics in Education’ released by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on my birthday, 1 September 2015. Since she is a bibliophile, I thought this would be the best gift I can give on her behalf to humanity.

We are often taught to be mighty, powerful, go-getters and acquire skills to win the world. This defines success. This book however teaches these values in a different manner. If you are focused to serve and bring smiles in your neighbourhood by volunteering goodness, you will be noticed and rewarded. Nature is the mightiest. If you give something to it, it gives you back a manifold.

I present to you the most unassuming and simple real-life story of contemporary times based on goodness, camaraderie, simplicity, service, resilience, endurance and above all the zest for life. I share a proud moment with my countrymen and feel privileged that I hail from the same domicile as Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu. Writing a book on her was an extremely divine experience for me. I was vicariously undergoing the agony and ecstasy in my body and mind as I was penning down this real-life story. For example, while writing the most difficult chapter 8 (Tragedies and Triumphs)

I had conjunctivitis for three weeks. I also starved myself for a few days to understand how it feels to be hungry. It has been no less than a spiritual awakening for me.

May her story inspire millions to be on the righteous path. May her story enthuse many women to take up the challenges by being more valorous. May her career teach us ethical political leadership. Every societal issue that we discussed with her, we see actions taken on the same in some form or the other within a very short time. Some of the issues include conservation of Simlipal national park, campaign for an addiction free Bharat, conservation of water bodies in our hometown Rairangpur, creation of a separate Rairangpur district etc. During one of my meetings with the Hon’ble President of Bharat on 17 April 2023, she expressed her opinion that all the citizens must be aware of the preamble, fundamental rights and fundamental duties. I have pledged to propagate the same through a civil society awakening called “Volunteer for Good.’

A lot more can be written about her. I have made a sincere effort to capture as many facets as I can to the best of my ability. I hope this story leaves you inspired to find the best in you.