‘Johar!’ began President Droupadi Murmu’s first presidential address. That word, a tribal greeting,
marked a milestone in the history of the nation and a new direction in its politics.
Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Hinterlands to Raisina Hills encapsulates the journey of a tribal girl who
defied all odds to grow up into an institution signifying resilience, determination and grit. Charting
a pathess travelled, Murmu carved out many firsts, right from stepping out of the nondescript
village Uparbeda in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha to becoming the First Citizen of India.
Through interviews and detailed analysis, journalist Kasturi Ray tracks Murmu’s life, following her
through school and college, from being a teacher to social worker, councilor to minister, from taking
charge as the governor of Jharkhand to becoming the president—a tale of incredible resilience and
dedication to service. She narrates how Murmu was able to overcome personal tragedy and return
to her commitment to helping the people and giving a voice to the downtrodden and underserved.
In the seventy-fifth year of Independence, when the nation celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,
she was chosen to lead the country, raising the hopes of millions of the downtrodden, tribals and
women. The book traces her footprints in the sands of time as a fighter, believer and winner and
narrates an inspiring journey.