Droupadi Murmu, during her tenure as the Governor of Jharkhand, earned a reputation as the ‘People’s Governor’ due to her exceptional commitment to the welfare of the state’s residents. Known for her accessibility, compassion, and proactive approach, Murmu went above and beyond her role, engaging with people from all walks of life and personally addressing their grievances. Her genuine concern and efforts to alleviate the suffering of individuals in distress garnered her immense respect and admiration from the people of Jharkhand.
A Beacon of Compassion:
One of the defining characteristics of Droupadi Murmu’s governorship was her extraordinary compassion. She actively sought out those in need, even reaching out to individuals she learned about through newspapers. Murmu’s dedication to helping people was exemplified in her support for Luguni Munda, a poor differently abled tribal woman kidnapped and abandoned by Maoists. Upon reading about Luguni’s tragic story, Murmu extended a helping hand, providing her with essential resources such as a ration card, a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and a tube well. Furthermore, Murmu ensured that Luguni’s son received an education at a reputable institution by arranging for his admission to Loyola School and personally funding his tuition and hostel fees through the Governor’s discretionary funds.
Empowering the Underprivileged:
Governor Murmu’s commitment to uplifting the underprivileged extended beyond individual cases. She actively pursued initiatives to empower marginalized communities. For instance, she responded to a news report about a poverty-stricken daily wage laborer in Margo Munda village whose son had qualified for the National Institute of Technology (NIT) but lacked the means to enroll. Murmu promptly authorized the transfer of Rs 65,000 from her discretionary funds to the man’s account, enabling his son’s admission to NIT, Jamshedpur. These acts of support exemplify Murmu’s dedication to providing equal opportunities and helping the less fortunate pursue education and achieve their dreams.
Personal Care and Well-being:
Governor Murmu demonstrated her concern for the well-being of individuals in various instances. She went beyond the call of duty to ensure that a poor rickshaw-pullers wife, who had experienced multiple miscarriages, received proper medical attention. Collaborating with a renowned gynecologist, Dr. Shobha, Murmu facilitated the woman’s treatment by allocating Rs 6,000 from her discretionary funds for medicines. The personalized care resulted in the safe delivery of a healthy baby, and Murmu even named the child “Rudra.” These acts of kindness and support underscored Murmu’s commitment to promoting the health and happiness of the people she served.
A Governor for the People:
Droupadi Murmu’s accessibility and genuine concern for the people of Jharkhand set her apart as a remarkable Governor. She took the time to meet with individuals from various backgrounds and actively listened to their problems and grievances. Murmu’s commitment to addressing these issues, either personally or through the utilization of her discretionary funds, exemplified her dedication to the welfare of the people she served. Her selflessness and proactive approach endeared her to the residents of Jharkhand and earned her the title of the ‘People’s Governor.’
Transforming the Raj Bhavan:
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Governor Murmu left an indelible mark on the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. With a deep love for nature, she oversaw significant transformations within the premises, including the construction of a reservoir and the plantation of approximately 3,000 fruit-bearing trees.