Droupadi Murmu (born 20 June 1958) is an Indian politician and the 15th President of India, in office since July 2022. She is the first person from a tribal community and the second woman, after Pratibha Patil, to hold the office. She is also the first President born after independence and the youngest to take office. Before that she was a teacher, an Odisha minister and Governor of Jharkhand.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Droupadi Murmu |
| Born | 20 June 1958, Uparbeda, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India |
| Age | 68 |
| Office | 15th President of India (since 25 July 2022) |
| Previous office | Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021) |
| Party (before presidency) | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Community | Santal |
| Education | BA, Rama Devi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar |
| Daughter | Itishree |
Early Life
Murmu was born in a Santal family in the village of Uparbeda in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. Her father and grandfather were village headmen. She graduated from Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar and worked as a clerk in the Odisha government. She later taught at a school in Rairangpur.
Political Career
Murmu entered politics as a BJP councillor in Rairangpur in 1997. She was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Rairangpur in 2000 and 2009. In the BJD–BJP coalition government she served as a minister for commerce and transport and later for fisheries and animal resources. In 2007 she received the Odisha Assembly’s award for the best MLA.
In 2015 Murmu became the first woman Governor of Jharkhand and served until 2021.
The BJP-led NDA nominated Murmu for President in 2022, and she defeated opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. She was sworn in on 25 July 2022. As President she has emphasised education, tribal welfare and women’s empowerment. In 2023 she flew in a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet.
Personal Life
Murmu married Shyam Charan Murmu, a bank officer. She faced great personal tragedy, losing both her sons and her husband between 2009 and 2014. She has spoken of how spirituality and service helped her cope. Her daughter, Itishree, works in banking.
Key Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Droupadi Murmu born?
Droupadi Murmu was born on 20 June 1958 in Uparbeda, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India.
