Villagers had been worshipping and praying for the success of their own, Droupadi Murmu, who has now become India's first tribal woman president.
(Photo: Altered by The Quint)
“A student (Droupadi Murmu) from our school is going to become the president of India... we are thrilled,” said Manoranjan Murmu as he stood outside the humble premises of a primary school in Uparbeda village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.
Manoranjan is a teacher at the school where India's first tribal woman president received her primary education.
Manoranjan shares the thrill and sense of pride with each and every villager in Uparbeda.
Brimming with admiration for her mother, Itishri Murmu, Droupadi Murmu’s daughter, said that the reason for her being nominated and elected as the president of India is her dedication to work for the people.
Amid fireworks, a mood of celebration was palpable in Droupadi Murmu’s village even as people prayed for her success.
Dulari Tudu, wife of Droupadi Murmu’s nephew, expressed her joy, saying:
For the Uparbeda village of Odisha, a new recognition awaits as one of their own became the first tribal woman president of the country..
Murmu is remembered fondly in the school where she studied and also, in the school where she taught.
Her student Pratik Ram said that she took a lot of care in teaching her pupils.
Prahlad Purti, a former MLA from Odisha, said that during his time with Droupadi Murmu in the state Assembly, he remembers her to have been brave and always striving to work for the people.
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