Draupadi Murmu: A Trailblazer for Indigenous Women in India
Introduction
India's upcoming presidential election in 2022 is set to be a historic moment, with Draupadi Murmu being nominated as the BJP's presidential candidate. She is not only making history as the first Schedule Tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional post but also symbolizing a triumph of inclusive governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, has nominated Murmu as its presidential candidate. This choice is significant as it highlights the importance of tribal representation in the Indian political landscape. Let's delve into what makes Murmu special to the Indian people and the role she is likely to play in shaping the country's future.
Why Murmu is Special
Political Significance
The BJP has nominated Draupadi Murmu because she represents a significant political shift. Many people in India believe that tribal individuals should be separated from Hindu religion due to some political ideologies. However, Murmu serves as a powerful symbol of unity between various ethnic groups within Hinduism.
By nominating her, the BJP is emphasizing the importance of tribal representation and the need for a diverse leadership that reflects the indigenous communities. This could increase the faith of the tribal community in the BJP, as they feel their voices are being heard and represented at the highest levels of governance.
Symbolism of Jesus Christ Over Manu
In a broader sense, the nomination of an indigenous woman like Murmu can be seen as a symbolic triumph of Jesus Christ (a universal religious figure) over Manu (a revered figure from Hindu texts). This symbolism underscores the progressive and inclusive nature of the BJP under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.
Lifetime of Dedication
Personal Background
Draupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in Mayurbhanj, a region in Odisha. She is a member of the Santal tribe, a major indigenous tribe in India. Her father was a farmer, and her family relied on subsistence farming as their primary livelihood. Her grandfather, however, was known as the village chief, referred to as the “Majhihalam” by the Santali people.
Education and Career
Murmu's educational journey began in Class I at the K.B. HS Uparbeda School in Mayurbhanj. She later completed her B.A. from Bhubaneswar. From 1979 to 1983, she worked as a junior assistant in the Department of Irrigation and Energy in the Government of Odisha. She then pursued a career in education and has been a teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Center in Rairangpur since 1997.
Political Career
Murmu's political career began in 1997 when she became a councilor, winning the Nagar Panchayat elections. She was elected to the Rajya Sabha for the first time in 2000 from the Rairangpur constituency. She served as an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) for the first term and later became a minister in the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government twice.
Key Political Appointments
From March 6, 2000 to August 6, 2002, Murmu served as the Minister of Commerce and Transport in the joint government of the BJP and BJD. From August 6, 2002 to May 16, 2004, she was the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Development. In recognition of her work, she was awarded the Nilkant Award by the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2002.
Personal Life
Murmu was married to Shyama Charan Murmu, and they had two sons and a daughter. Unfortunately, her husband and two sons passed away. Her daughter, Itishree Murmu, is married and works for UCO Bank in Bhubaneswar. She is the daughter of a rugby player, and the young couple has a young daughter of their own.
Conclusion
The nomination of Draupadi Murmu as the BJP's presidential candidate is a significant milestone for the indigenous community in India. It not only represents a triumph of progressive politics but also sets a precedent for the future of Indian governance. As the country prepares for the 2022 presidential election, the journey of Draupadi Murmu is a testament to the enduring struggle and triumph of indigenous women in politics.
On July 18, 2022, the Indian people will go to the polls to decide who will become the next President. Will it be Murmu, or will it be another candidate? The upcoming election is sure to be a fascinating contest, and the journey of Draupadi Murmu will continue to inspire many.