Odisha: My grandmother is my role model, says President Droupadi Murmu

BHUBANESWAR: President Droupadi Murmu, while interacting with school students and alumni of Tapoban High School at Khandagiri here on Friday, said her grandma was her role model. Her grandmother helped people during their bad times, she added. While interacting with students, alumni and teachers at the high school, Murmu said, “My grandma is my role model. She was a brave woman.
She was known for helping people in our locality. She was reaching out to the people who suffer from fever or any disease. She was also helping pregnant women and people with difficulties,” she said. The President said she had no idea about national and international issues during her childhood.
“My grandmother was my inspiration and role model,” she added. After entering the high school, she was welcomed by students who clapped and beat drums. Kalandi Hansdah of Class X and Itishree Tiyo of Class VIII of the high school asked two questions to the President. “She was frequently visiting the high school to get her relatives admitted there.
That time, we did not ge facilities in schools like the students get nowadays. Today, my village school at Uparbeda has pucca houses with other facilities. But during my school days, our village school had no pucca house. Flooring was not done properly. Those days are gone,” she said.
She expressed her happiness over interaction with students and alumni. Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, ST&SC development minister Jagannath Saraka and science and technology minister Ashok Chandra Panda were present. “I liked the President very much and I want to be like her. Even after being elected the President, she did not forget her roots and culture. Like her, Iwe will also not forget our culture,” said student Itishree Tiyo, a native of Jagatpur in Cuttack district.