India, the world’s largest democracy, takes pride in its democratic processes, with its President being an important figurehead. The President of India holds the ceremonial office as the Head of State, representing the unity of the nation. Though the position is largely symbolic and ceremonial, it is central to maintaining constitutional governance and upholding democratic values. As of 2025, the current President of India is Droupadi Murmu, a distinguished leader whose election marked a historic moment in the nation’s political landscape. This article aims to explore the life, background, and significance of the current President, as well as the key roles and responsibilities she undertakes in her capacity.
Election and Significance of the Office
The election of the President of India is an event that draws national attention. The President is not directly elected by the people, but rather through an electoral college that includes the elected members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union Territories. This ensures that the election reflects the diversity and political spectrum of the nation, making the process fair and balanced.
On July 25, 2022, Droupadi Murmu was elected as the 15th President of India, making her the first tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional office in the country. Her election was significant not only because she represents a marginalized community but also because she embodies the aspirations of millions of Indians from rural and tribal backgrounds. Her ascent to the presidency reflects the country’s ongoing journey toward inclusivity, representation, and social equality.
In India, the office of the President holds a largely symbolic and ceremonial role. However, it is still important as it acts as a guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that the country’s democratic principles and values are protected. The President plays a key role in the functioning of the government, particularly in situations where constitutional and legal challenges arise. While the President is expected to act on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, they also have the power to exercise discretion in certain situations, especially in matters of national importance.
President of India – Droupadi Murmu’s Background and Early Life
Droupadi Murmu was born on June 20, 1958, in the village of Uparbeda in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. She hails from a humble tribal background, belonging to the Santhal tribe, one of the largest tribal communities in India. Murmu’s early life in a tribal area significantly shaped her worldview, and she developed a deep understanding of the issues facing tribal and marginalized communities in India.
Her early education took place in Odisha, and she pursued her studies at Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar, where she earned a degree in Arts. Murmu’s academic journey was marked by perseverance, and despite growing up in a rural and tribal setting, she excelled in her studies.
Murmu’s entry into public service began in the 1980s, when she joined the government of Odisha as a teacher. She eventually took up administrative roles, serving as a clerical officer in the state’s irrigation department. Her commitment to public service and the betterment of tribal communities led her to pursue a career in politics. Over the years, she gained recognition for her leadership and service, and her trajectory continued to rise as she became involved in the political sphere.
Political Career and Rise to Presidency
Droupadi Murmu’s political career is closely tied to her role in Odisha’s regional politics, specifically through the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a party founded by former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. She joined the BJD in the late 1990s and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a significant political figure in the state.
Murmu served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rairangpur in Odisha for two terms from 2000 to 2009. She earned a reputation for her humility, dedication, and commitment to the welfare of the tribal communities. Her contributions were particularly noteworthy in areas such as education, healthcare, and the empowerment of women and marginalized sections of society.
In 2007, Murmu was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, making her the first woman and the first tribal person to hold that office. Her tenure as Governor was marked by a focus on development, social welfare, and improving the lives of indigenous people. Her experience as Governor gave her a unique perspective on governance and administration, which would later play a significant role in her ability to assume the office of the President of India.
Murmu’s political journey to the presidency was also marked by the endorsement of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her nomination was seen as a strategic move to strengthen the government’s outreach to the tribal communities in India, which are often marginalized in the political landscape.
Droupadi Murmu as President: Vision and Leadership
Droupadi Murmu’s election as President was historic, and her leadership style is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the office. The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, but they also hold important powers that can have far-reaching consequences. As the custodian of the Constitution, the President’s role includes ensuring that the democratic principles of the country are protected, upholding the rule of law, and representing India both domestically and internationally.
Murmu’s leadership style is rooted in her deep understanding of India’s tribal communities, which have long been excluded from mainstream political processes. Her focus on empowerment, education, and social equality will likely influence the role she plays in the coming years. As President, Murmu is expected to serve as an advocate for marginalized communities, promoting their inclusion in the political, social, and economic spheres of Indian life.
Her experiences as a Governor and MLA have equipped her with the skills necessary to balance the ceremonial duties of the office with the need to safeguard India’s Constitution. While the President traditionally acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, Murmu’s experience in governance is likely to make her an important figure in discussions regarding national issues.
President of India Challenges and Expectations
The office of the President is primarily ceremonial, but there are several challenges and expectations that come with the role. One of the primary challenges for President Murmu will be to act as a unifying force in a country that is often divided along political, regional, and religious lines. Her leadership will be essential in bridging these divisions and promoting national unity, especially in times of social unrest or political crisis.
Another challenge will be managing the delicate balance between political neutrality and the exercise of presidential discretion. While the President of India is expected to act on the advice of the Prime Minister, there are moments when the President may be required to make decisions of significant national importance, especially during a constitutional crisis or when the government faces challenges in maintaining a majority in Parliament.
President Murmu’s tenure will also be marked by the challenge of fostering a strong international presence for India. As the head of state, she will play an essential role in strengthening India’s diplomatic ties with other countries and advocating for the country’s interests in the global arena.
Conclusion
The election of Droupadi Murmu as the President of India is a significant moment in the country’s political history. Her rise to the highest constitutional office in the land reflects India’s commitment to inclusivity and representation, especially for marginalized communities. As a person who understands the struggles of tribal communities and has dedicated her life to public service, President Murmu brings a unique perspective to the office.
While the role of the President in India is largely ceremonial, the person holding the office is entrusted with ensuring the protection of the Constitution and the democratic ideals on which the nation is built. Droupadi Murmu’s leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, and her presidency will be remembered for its emphasis on social justice, national unity, and constitutional integrity.
As India continues to navigate its path towards progress and development, the leadership of President Murmu stands as a symbol of hope and empowerment for the nation’s marginalized and tribal communities.
