Book discussion on ‘Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Hinterlands to Raisina Hill’ highlights her inspirational journey

A book discussion on 'Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Hinterlands to Raisina Hill' was held at the India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi on Friday.

The book, which is written by author and eminent journalist, Kasturi Ray highlights President Droupadi Murmu's inspirational journey from a tribal girl in a nondescript town in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj to adorning the highest office of India.

The panel discussion was graced by author Kasturi Ray, BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda, author-columnist-diplomat and former Indian Ambassador Navtej Sarna and senior journalist Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Speaking during the discussion, Baijayant Panda said, “It took India 75 years after independence for the highest office to be represented by a traditionally neglected section of our society. She is like an elder sister to me and she never ceased to amaze me by her work ethics and dedication.”

“Not only does she tick all the boxes; woman, tribal etc... You could tick all those boxes and have a token symbolic person. You could do it and it has happened with other high officials before. But there was a clear conviction among all of my senior colleagues that apart from ticking the boxes, she is the real deal. She is not just a token symbolic choice.”

Kasturi Ray who began the discussion with an excerpt from the book, said, “This book is all about a new hope.”

“Not only for the tribals, but she (Droupadi Murmu) is an inspiration for all the women in this country and beyond. She is a new hope for the people as well. The kind of struggle she had undertaken in her life and successfully overcame it, tells a lot about her determination and resilience,” Ray said.