NEW DELHI — Top political leaders, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, united on Saturday to honor President Droupadi Murmu on her birthday, celebrating her remarkable rise from a remote village to the head of state as a beacon of hope for millions.
President Murmu, the 15th President of India, celebrates her birthday on June 20, marking another year of a life defined by resilience, service, and historic milestones.
Leaders Praise Her Simplicity and Dedication
In a tribute shared on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi commended the President’s lifelong focus on the welfare of India’s most vulnerable populations.
“Her journey, marked by courage, simplicity, humility and unwavering commitment to public service, continues to inspire people across the country,” PM Modi stated. He added that her deep passion for the underprivileged and marginalised remains a powerful driving force for the nation’s development.
The Prime Minister, who wished her a long and healthy life, is scheduled to meet President Murmu later today during an official event in her home state of Odisha.
Echoing these sentiments, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath applauded her steadfast commitment to constitutional values and tribal upliftment, describing her simple lifestyle as an exemplary model for all citizens.
Breaking Barriers: A Legacy of Firsts
President Murmu’s life story is one of the most powerful narratives of perseverance in contemporary India. Born into a Santhal tribal family on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda village within Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, she consistently shattered glass ceilings.
She overcame severe socio-economic challenges to become the first girl from her village to graduate from college, earning her degree from Ramadevi Women’s College in 1979.
Her distinguished path of public service later led her to serve as the ninth Governor of Jharkhand between 2015 and 2021.
By the time she assumed office on July 25, 2022, she had secured her place in history by simultaneously becoming:
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The first tribal woman to occupy the country’s highest constitutional office.
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The youngest person ever to serve as President of India.
Her journey from a modest village primary school to Rashtrapati Bhavan continues to stand as a testament to the power of determination and dedicated public service.

