Kumar Bahukhandi
Bhubaneshwar : President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to her birthplace, Uparbeda village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, turned into an emotional homecoming on Friday December 6 , 2024 . In a heartfelt gesture, the President broke protocol and joined tribal women in a traditional dance, delighting the villagers.
During her five-day visit to Odisha, President Murmu made a stop at Uparbeda, where she was born into a Santali family. Her return to the village was filled with nostalgia and emotional moments. The roads of Uparbeda were adorned with traditional jhooti (rangoli), and villagers painted their homes to welcome their most distinguished guest.
The President’s first stop was Uparbeda Government Upper Primary School, her alma mater. Welcomed by students and teachers, she reminisced about her childhood days spent at the school. Later, she visited the village deity’s shrine to offer prayers, a gesture that highlighted her deep-rooted connection to her birthplace.
A particularly heartwarming moment occurred as President Murmu approached her ancestral home. A group of Santali women, dressed in traditional attire, performed a tribal dance accompanied by folk songs and drum beats. Overcome with emotion, she surprised everyone by stepping into the circle, holding their hands, and joining in the dance. The gesture, though a departure from protocol, was warmly received by the villagers, who felt her deep sense of belonging and humility.
“It seemed she didn’t want to assert her position as the President of India but instead wanted to connect as one of us,” said a visibly moved villager.
This marked President Murmu’s first visit to her ancestral home since assuming the office of the President on July 25, 2022.
