Odisha's Rama Devi Women’s University rejoices as Droupadi Murmu becomes President

BHUBANESWAR: Students of Rama Devi Women’s University here, wearing traditional Jhaulaa sarees of the Santhal community, danced to the rhythm of drumbeats on Friday on the campus to celebrate the victory of their alumnus Droupadi Murmu in the presidential election on Thursday.
The students took out a procession on the university campus with musical instruments as dance, cheering and rhythm of drumbeats filled the air. Even several alumni, including former minister and BJP leader Surama Padhy, participated in the celebrations.
Later the students, alumni along with teachers cut a big cake carrying a photograph of Murmu tying Rakhi on the hand of chief minister Naveen Patnaik. They also distributed sweets among themselves to mark the occasion.
Srusti Mishra, a Plus-III final year student, said freedom fighter and reformer Maa Rama Devi had advocated for women’s education and welfare of tribals. “Today, a tribal woman from Odisha has been elected as the first citizen of the country. The most important thing is that Droupadi Murmu received her college education from an institution named after Maa Rama Devi. We are proud of her,” she added.
Swarupa Sutar, a Plus-III second year student, said they organised the event to pay their respects to Murmu. “She is our inspiration. We will learn from her struggle, dedication and steadfastness. The university and the state feel proud for her. Coming from a remote tribal hinterland, she did exceptionally well in her career and scripted history by becoming the President of the country,” she added.
Students of Utkal University also celebrated Murmu’s victory. They stood in front of the Gandhi Park on the campus and shouted slogans praising Murmu. As a part of the celebrations, they set off fireworks.