Sure about the victory of the “daughter and daughter-in-law of the soil”, Uparbeda and Pahadpur villagers had already been holding low-key celebrations since the day of voting. It just intensified as soon as a confirmation about her becoming the first citizen of the country was made.
The whole of tribal-dominated Uparbeda in the backwaters of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, plunged into sound and festivity. Firecrackers were burst. Slogans were chanted. Drums rolled on and people danced merrily. Placards were raised and a celebratory procession got off.
Tucked away in sylvan surroundings, Uparbeda was waiting in the wings to hear the victory of Murmu, and the joy of its 6000 residents knew no bounds when the news about her victory came as music to the ear.
Soon after the Presidential election’s results were announced, Murmu’s brother Tarinisen Tudu said, “I am overjoyed that my sister, a tribal woman, has been elected as the President. She has struggled a lot since her childhood. This is an inspiration for everybody.”
“When the daughter of the village became head of the state of Jharkhand (Governor) in the past, we were over the moon. That joy of the past is the unbridled pleasure of the present after Murmu was declared elected to become the head of the country,” gushed farmer Sukulal Murmu.
The excitement was writ large on every face as the residents of the village visualized the grand entry of Murmu into the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
“We distributed 20,000 ladoos among people to celebrate Murmu’s victory. Similarly, over 100 banners have been put up to congratulate her,” said local BJP leader Tapan Mahanta in Rairangpur, about 15 kilometers from Uparbeda. “A number of people even rustled up varieties of tribal recipes to feast on.”
Many people recalled the days when she was a junior assistant in the Irrigation Power Department during the period between 1979 and 1983, and then as a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integrated Education Centre in Rairangpur.
“Born into a Santhali tribal family, Droupadi has toughed out many twists and turns in life. Now she has proved that a woman can struggle to win, and fight to achieve,” said Saraswati Murmu, the aunt of Droupadi.
“Since her school days, she has been nourishing an ambition to serve people and her entire political career has corroborated that Droupadi, a tough cookie, has the efficiency to crystallize her dream to a reality efficaciousy,” said septuagenarian Kumudini Hansda.
“She started her political career as a councilor. Now she will be catapulted to the post of the constitutional head of the country that everybody in her village is going gaga over,” another resident chipped in.
At some distance away, celebrations were also held at SLS (Shyam, Laxman & Sipun) Memorial Residential School, Pahadpur, founded by Murmu in memory of her husband and two sons after their demise within a span of just four years. Hundreds of men and women dressed up in their traditional attire and arms interlocked danced rhythmically to the tunes of drums and traditional tribal music.
Surrounded by Sal forests, Pahadpur looks all decked up as if for a festival. “Is it any less than a festival,” the villagers counter as they rejoice the feat of the daughter-in-law of the village. Dressed in traditional attire, they are not just from the Santhal tribe to which Murmu belongs. “The men and women here are from different tribes like Santhals, Ho, Bathudi and Bhumij. We all are one in this hour of happiness,” they said even as they hoped the region will witness fast-paced development after Murmu becoming the President.
“We feel very proud and happy for my aunt. Her identity is no more associated with Pahadpur or Uparbeda. It has transcended beyond India, all over the world,” said Braja Mohan Murmu, nephew of the President-elect.
The celebrations and festivities will continue, for sure, for the next few days.
