‘Johar!’ began President Droupadi Murmu’s first presidential address. That word, a tribal greeting,marked a milestone in the history of the nation and a new direction in its politics.Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Hinterlands to Raisina Hills encapsulates the journey of a tribal girl whodefied all odds to grow up into an institution signifying resilience, determination and grit. Chartinga pathess travelled, Murmu carved out many firsts, right from stepping out of the nondescriptvillage Uparbeda in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha to becoming the First Citizen of India.Through interviews and detailed analysis, journalist Kasturi Ray tracks Murmu’sife, following herthrough school and college, from being a teacher to social worker, councillor to minister, from takingcharge as the governor of Jharkhand to becoming the president—a tale of incredible resilience anddedication to service. She narrates how Murmu was able to overcome personal tragedy and returnto her commitment to helping the people and giving a voice to the downtrodden and underserved.In the seventy-fifth year of Independence, when the nation celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,she was chosen toead the country, raising the hopes of millions of the downtrodden, tribals andwomen. The book traces her footprints in the sands of time as a fighter, believer and winner andnarrates an inspiring journey.