President Droupadi Murmu : A Reflection Of Changing Bharat

Book Code: 1111031597130

Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Mohanty

ABOUT THE BOOK

This book is a biographical sketch of the 15th President of India, authored by a family acquaintance, depicting the tumultuous journey of her life from its nadir to its zenith with a message for humanity to look within.
Knowing Droupadi Murmu through this book is not only to appreciate an enduring personality with formidable resilience but alsoto get an introduction tothe cultural heritage ofa scenic, lesser-known geography of incredible Bharat. The book touches upon the unsung inspiring heroes of Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, who have silently contributed to nation building. The question, as to why Droupadi was poor even after being a descendant of the most philanthropic Sardar family of UparbedaPeedha,hergrandfatherbeing theHalam Baba, the headman of the village,probesinto the social fabric of the time and offers an afterthought for the democratsto work for the economic upliftmentof landed cultivators of the remote parts of the country.
True to her name, Droupadi reflects an empowered woman in a progressive and inclusive democracy which facilitated her education, job, and political opportunities. Her elevation to become the President of the largest democracy of the world reinforces our belief in the law of Karma, reemphasizesBharat’s commitment to practice the value of VasudhaivaKutumbakam, one world family, and invites everyone to follow the age-old principle of peaceful coexistence.
Droupadi embodies the wisdom of this shloka:
‘Sukhasyadukhasyana kopi data, parodadātītikubuddhiresha. Ahamkaromītivrithābhimanah, swakarmasūtregrathito hi lokah’
Feeling proud of one’s own action is vanity.  As a result of one’s action, one gets pleasure or sorrow; no one else is responsible for it. Attributing these to others is a wrong perception.

Her life is an inspiration and a reminder that we can createour owndestiny through individual actionby emulating her humility, equanimity, and resilience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Mohantyis an institution builder having more than two decades of experience in teaching and administration. Shehas implemented a number of academic and service projects under the aegis of The Art of Living, a non-profit global organization. With the guidance of her Master, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, she initiated the formation of Sri Sri University, Cuttack, the first private university to be enacted by the Government of Odisha, spanning over an area of 188 acres of picturesque land on the banks of Kathjodi river. It imparts holistic education to more than three thousand students across the globe. She is currently working as the Associate Professor in Governance- FMS, Head of Public Relations and Social Outreach, Director, Human Resource Development Center, and Director, Sri Sri Advanced Global Center for Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies at the University.
Daughter of humanitarian and philanthropist Mr. Manoranjan (Nandia) Mohanty and Dr. Mrs. P.S.Manikyeswari of Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha she has had the privilege  to witness many events pertaining to the life of Mahamahim Smt. Droupadi Murmu.  She holds an MSc Physics from NIT, Rourkela; an MA and a PhD in Public Administration, an MBA and an LLB from Utkal University. She is an extremely erudite scholar, having topped the merit list in her academic examinations in school, college and university getting many merit certificates and two Gold Medals from Utkal University for MA Public Administration. She is widely acclaimed for her service projects, public relations and governance skills.
She has written more than fiftyarticles and book chapters in national and international publications, onebook;published a patent on Ethical Political Leadership; and drafted more than five thousand press releases. She has also been the Principal Investigator in a research project with a Navratna PSU. She teaches PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s students; curated more than100 trainings for professionals including political leaders, civil servants, government employees, academicians, etc., with a cumulative experience of more than one lakh hours in teaching, training, and research. She has been guiding seven doctoral research scholars. She has convened many National and International Conferences. She is an Art of Living meditation and Life Skills Teacher and a Government of India certified Yoga Trainer. Email: jgdvijaya@gmail.com

CONTENTS

Preface-------------------------------------- 7
Acknowledgement --------------------------------------11
List of Colour Illustrations --------------------------------------15
1. Destiny’s Daughter (1958 - 1963) --------------------------------------33
2. Formative Years: Exploring the Early Education
and Schooling (1963-70) --------------------------------------55
3. Elevation through Education (1970-79) --------------------------------------79
4. Money, Marriage, and Motherhood 1979-83 --------------------------------------99
5. Home, Harmony & Happiness (1983-1994) --------------------------------------107
6. A Teacher’s Transformation through Integral
Education (1994-97) --------------------------------------115
7. Pilgrimage of Politics: Part of 25 years of
political life 1997-2010 --------------------------------------131
8. Tragedies and Triumphs (2010-15) --------------------------------------163
9. The People’s Governor: Champion of the People
(18 May 2015- 13 July 2021) --------------------------------------173
10. Generous Giver – Enlightening through Education
(2016- 2022) --------------------------------------189
11. The Political Pivot: A Presidential Election that
Propelled the Nation’s Progress (The journey from
India to Bharat) 2022- Continuing --------------------------------------201
12. Champion of Culture, Spiritual Seeker --------------------------------------229

13. Droupadi Murmu: People’s Reflections--------------------------------------245