The book “Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Hinterlands to Raisina Hills” chronicles the remarkable journey of a tribal girl who defied the odds to become an embodiment of resilience, determination, and perseverance. From leaving her small village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha to becoming the first citizen of India, Murmu achieved numerous milestones through her unconventional path. Journalist Kasturi Ray authored the book, drawing from interviews and in-depth analysis of Murmu’s life from her school and college days to becoming a teacher, social worker, counsellor, minister, governor of Jharkhand, and ultimately the president.
Ray’s book delves into how Murmu overcame personal tragedies and remained committed to serving the people and advocating for the downtrodden and underserved. The author’s writing captures Murmu’s unwavering dedication to her cause, showcasing her incredible resilience and perseverance.
Kasturi Ray is an accomplished journalist with 28 years of experience across various forms of media, including print, broadcast, and digital. She currently holds the position of senior news editor at The New Indian Express in Bhubaneswar, having previously served as the features editor for 19 years. Ray’s writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Firstpost, The Quint, Women’s Features Service, and Asian Age. She is a SAWM-UNICEF fellow and a visiting faculty member at Birla Global University. Ray has received several awards and recognitions, including the Laadli Media Awards for Gender Sensitivity (East) in 2013-14 and the Aryaa Awards for Excellence in Journalism in 2016-17. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in English literature from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar.
