'Leadership isn’t about privilege': Anand Mahindra is 'awe-inspired' by President Droupadi Murmu's journey

Business leader Anand Mahindra recently expressed admiration for President Droupadi Murmu, highlighting her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to the highest constitutional office in India. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mahindra reflected on the resilience, perseverance, and determination that defined the President’s path, calling it a source of #MondayMotivation for everyone.

Anand Mahindra’s Tribute

In his post, Mahindra reflected on President Murmu’s extraordinary path from a small tribal village in Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan. “She faced poverty, social barriers, and unimaginable personal loss. Yet she never let adversity define her. Through education, service, and an unshakeable spirit, she rose quietly to become the first tribal woman to hold the nation’s highest constitutional office,” he wrote.

Mahindra emphasised that leadership is not defined by privilege but by perseverance. “Leadership isn’t about privilege; it’s about perseverance. Which is why she’s my #MondayMotivation,” he added, celebrating her life as an example of resilience and commitment.

President Murmu’s Recent Rafale Sortie

The tweet came shortly after President Murmu undertook a 30-minute sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana on October 29, 2025, according to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release. She became the first President of India to fly in two different fighter aircrafts, having previously flown a Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023.

The flight, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, covered around 200 kilometres at an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of approximately 700 kilometres per hour. In the visitors’ book, President Murmu described the experience as “unforgettable” and expressed pride in the nation’s defence capabilities. She also congratulated the Indian Air Force for successfully organising the sortie.

From Tribal Roots to Rashtrapati Bhavan

As per presidentofindia.gov, born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda, Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, President Murmu hails from a Santhal tribal family. She was the first girl in her village to pass the matriculation examination and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from Ramadevi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar, in 1979.

Her early career included serving as a Junior Assistant in the Irrigation and Power Department of Odisha and as an honorary teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education & Research Centre in Rairangpur from 1994 to 1997. President Murmu has consistently emphasised the transformative power of education, particularly for women and girls from marginalised communities, drawing from her own life experiences.

Sworn in as India’s 15th President on July 25, 2022, and having served as the 9th Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021, she continues to inspire through her leadership, resilience, and commitment to public service.