S K Narvar, Chairman, Capital India Corp talks about the recent nomination of Smt. Droupadi Murmu, former Jharkhand Governor by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as its candidate for the upcoming Presidential elections.
Ques – What do you think of the nomination of Droupadi Murmu? What does it say?
SK Narvar: The NDA’s presidential candidate speaks volume about our values as a democratic society and the Prime Minister’s intent of recognizing ground level talent. Smt. Murmu is a former teacher and advocate of tribal affairs and has held leadership roles as a councillor in Nagar panchayat. Her story is one of honesty in public service and can only inspire citizens. She combines the traits that are ideal in any leader, including humility, awareness, administrative skills and a champion of a cause that needs more advocacy.
Ques – Smt. Murmu can be India’s first tribal president. Please tell us about the importance of the same.
SK Narvar: After having President Kovind, the only second Dalit to hold this prestigious post, having Smt. Murmu, the first tribal as the President of the country speaks volumes of this government’s focus on social justice and empowerment. As PM Modi right said, “millions derive strength” from Smt. Murmu, someone who has faced hardships and poverty, and yet is “committed to serving society and empowering the downtrodden.” Having her as the President will only continue the historical tradition of treating everyone as equal in the republic of India.
Q3. What can you tell us about her journey?
SKN: Smt. Murmu is an example on how in the new India, talent, hard work, and honesty & integrity irrespective of background will get recognised in our society. Born in the Santhal community, Smt. Droupadi Murmu began her political career as a councillor in Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat in 1997. It is inspiring to know she has risen steadily through her career. Three years later, in 2000, she became a minister in the Odisha government and later the Governor of Jharkhand in 2015. Known as a sensible and sensitive politician, Murmu has remained free of corruption allegations. In fact, when her term as governor ended in 2021, Murmu chose to visit her village Uparbeda in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha to continue to serve the tribal population. Her unique and humble story only reinforces the trust in our leaders and our future as a nation.
Q4. Can the youth learn a message from Murmu?
SKN: The youth of the nation are the leaders of tomorrow and can pay attention to the journey or Smt. Mumru. Before she entered politics, Smt. Murmu taught children as a schoolteacher and has also worked as a junior assistant in the irrigation and power department for four years. She is known among her peers as a humble and enterprising tribal leader who always thinks of her community first. Her familiarity with tribal issues also comes with her family’s association with Murmu, Trudu and Hembram tribal communities. Over the years, her focus has been to protect their language and culture, not the outcomes of her hard work and efforts. That’s true leadership and the youth can look up to the same.
The country will immensely benefit from having her as the first citizen – a women, a tribal and a person who has led her life dedicated to the well-being and care of her fellow human beings, especially, the downtrodden and needy.
