By Dipali Goenka, CEO & Jt. MD, Welspun India
Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India in July 2022. A litany of firsts earmarks this appointment. This is a unique first where a woman from a tribal background takes India’s highest seat. As Indians, we have so many reasons to be proud!
We witnessed history in the making when Droupadi Murmu took the oath as India’s President. However, our new President’s oath of office came after a long period of struggle. Her achievements and struggles are a reflection of her hard work and dedication. There is a lot to learn and take away from the story of Droupadi Murmu. Here’s the 6 lessons, that resonates with me.
Lesson #1 : Age is just a number when it comes to achieving your dreams.
She is the youngest president of India. She was elected to India’s highest office at 64 years of age. No matter your age, with the relevant attitude, skills, and dedication, you can achieve your goal.
It does not matter at what age you start, what matters is you start your journey and never give up on your goal.
Lesson #2 : You can be the first in your family, community and peers
Droupadi Murmu found her calling in public life and she quit a secure government job to successfully contest a councilor’s election in 1997. Since then she joined politics full-time in 1997, she did not have a political background. Her father was a farmer and husband a banker. This was her choice and belief to make difference to the community and society at large.
Our new President has made a name for herself by spanning long political stints across various functions and roles. It’s her perseverance and hard work that has got her to this highest recognition
Lesson #3 : Equal playing field for everyone in India
As our President said in her first address to the nation after being sworn in, “My election is proof that the poor in India can dream and make them come true.” Her election is a testimony of breaking the biases and level playing opportunities our country offers.
Today, everyone, irrespective of the background, can dream big and achieve their dreams.
Lesson #4 : Switching Field and Career break is okay!
Droupadi Murmu at the start of her career worked as a junior assistant at the irrigation department of the Government of Odisha. She quit her job to take care of her children. Later she joined Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre in Rairangpur, as a teacher.
As a woman one has to shift many gears in personal life. It is okay to take career breaks and find your calling in something where you may have to start fresh.
Lesson #5 : When you are at the top, set an example
Droupadi Murmu, in her first speech as President of India, said, “I want all sisters and daughters to be empowered more as they continue to increase their contribution in every field.” She is known for leading it from the front and always ready to roll up her sleeves. Undoubtedly she will emerge as a most popular president.
Lesson #6 : Breaking the glass ceiling
Not just one, several glass ceilings shattered, born after India’s Independence, India’s 15th president, is only a second woman president, first tribal woman president, and also be the country’s youngest president.
She was the first tribal and female governor of Jharkhand and the first person to complete the five-year tenure of the governor’s office in Jharkhand. It is this spirit of equality, empowerment, and growth that we salute, as we welcome India’s MADAM President.
New era definitely belongs to the age of transformation.