Droupadi Murmu Biography

Droupadi Murmu is the 15th President of India and the first person from a tribal community to hold the country’s highest constitutional office. She was sworn in as president on July 25, 2022, after previously serving as Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. Before becoming governor, she had a long career in Odisha politics as a councillor, legislator and minister.

Early Life and Family

Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. She was born into a Santhal tribal family.

Her father, Biranchi Narayan Tudu, was involved in village administration. Murmu grew up in circumstances where access to education was limited, but she continued her studies and eventually became the first girl from her village to complete matriculation and earn a university degree.

Education

Murmu began her schooling in Uparbeda before moving to Bhubaneswar for further education from Class VIII onward.

She studied at Ramadevi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics.

Early Professional Career

Before entering politics, Murmu worked as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation and Power Department in Odisha.

She later worked as a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur, where she taught Hindi, Odia, mathematics and geography.

These experiences preceded her entry into public life.

Entry Into Politics

Murmu entered electoral politics through the Bharatiya Janata Party. She served as a councillor in the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat before becoming a member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

She represented the Rairangpur Assembly constituency and served as a minister in the Odisha government, holding portfolios that included transport and commerce, as well as fisheries and animal resources.

Governor of Jharkhand

In 2015, Murmu became the ninth Governor of Jharkhand. She served in the position until 2021.

Her appointment made her the first woman tribal governor of an Indian state. During her six-year tenure, she handled constitutional responsibilities relating to the state government, legislature and universities.

Election as President of India

In 2022, Murmu was selected as the candidate of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the presidential election.

She won the election against opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha and was sworn in as India’s 15th President on July 25, 2022.

The presidency is a constitutional office, and the president serves as India’s head of state.

Presidency and Public Duties

As president, Murmu has undertaken constitutional, diplomatic and ceremonial responsibilities. These include appointing governments according to constitutional procedures, receiving foreign dignitaries, addressing Parliament, conferring national awards and representing India at official international events.

She has also used public addresses to discuss subjects including education, women’s participation, tribal communities, environmental issues, technology and constitutional values.

Four Years as President

Murmu completed four years in office on July 25, 2026. To mark the occasion, Rashtrapati Bhavan launched several initiatives, including an e-Audio Guide for visitors, the third edition of the e-Upahaar presidential-gifts auction and a children’s facility called Bachpan ‘Bal Parisar’ in the President’s Estate.

President Murmu in September 2026

Murmu remained active in constitutional and public engagements in September 2026. On September 5, she attended the National Teachers’ Day celebrations and presented the National Teachers Awards.

On September 20, she addressed an international conference on the future of environment and climate dynamics in New Delhi, where she discussed climate adaptation and the importance of traditional knowledge and the experiences of rural and forest-dwelling communities.

On September 21, she also participated in events connected to the Asian Games, congratulating Indian medal winners.

Personal Life

Droupadi Murmu was married to Shyam Charan Murmu. The couple had three children, although Murmu has experienced significant personal losses within her family.

Her public life has often been discussed in the context of her journey from a remote village in Odisha to the highest constitutional office in India.

Significance of Her Presidency

Murmu’s election was historically significant because she became India’s first president from a tribal community and the second woman to hold the presidency.

Her career before the presidency included public administration, teaching, state-level politics and constitutional office. Her path to Rashtrapati Bhavan therefore spans several different areas of public service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Droupadi Murmu

1. Who is Droupadi Murmu?
Droupadi Murmu is the 15th President of India. She was sworn into office on July 25, 2022, after previously serving as Governor of Jharkhand.

2. How old is Droupadi Murmu?
Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda, Odisha. She is 68 years old as of September 2026.

3. What did Droupadi Murmu study?
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from Ramadevi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar in 1979.

4. What did Droupadi Murmu do before becoming President?
Before becoming president, Murmu worked as a government employee and teacher, served in local politics, became an Odisha MLA and minister, and later served as Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021.

5. When did Droupadi Murmu become President of India?
Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as India’s 15th President on July 25, 2022. She completed four years in office in July 2026.