President Droupadi Murmu takes a trip down the memory lane; visits her alma mater, in Odisha
The Hindu
“My role model was my grandmother, who was always ready to help others,” says Droupadi Murmu.
Taking a trip down the memory lane, President Droupadi Murmu on November 11 visited her hostel room where she lived as a student, in Bhubaneswar, and recalled how difficult the days were in her remote village for pursuing education.
On the second day of her maiden visit to home State, President Murmu went on a school-hopping visiting her own school – Government High School, Unit II where she studied from 1970 to 1974 and Tapoban High School. The first citizen of India interacted with the students and shared her journey with them.
“Today, I feel very happy visiting the Kuntala Kumari Sabat Tribal Girls Hostel. The visit to the hostel has rekindled unforgettable memory of my student life. I got emotional during interaction with inmates of hostel and teachers of the school. It is a matter of satisfaction that students have been provided safe, hygienic and homely environment,” Ms. Murmu jotted down in the visitors’ register. President sat on the cot she was using in her hostel days.
At Government High School, Unit II, she was given ceremonial welcome. Keeping the protocol aside, Ms. Murmu volunteered to get photographed with the students and the teachers. She met 12 of her classmates, who were studying in the same school, and inquired about her another friend ‘Chunni’, who was not present.
“We were so excited to find our friend who has gone on to become first citizen of India that we wanted the time to take a pause so that we could spend more time with her. The protocol, however, did not allow that opportunity. Both of us have gone to several camps,” said Ansumala Ajita, who was enrolled in NCC with Ms. Murmu during school days.
Tanmayee Bisoyi, another classmate, said, “we could see the sparkle in her eyes when our friend glanced at us.” Ms. Bisoyee’s mother, Late Shantilata Gochhayat, was the matron of the hostel where Ms. Murmu spent her productive days. Her handwriting was beautiful and she was very discipline, recall her friends.
Earlier, President of India visited Tapoban High School, being managed by State’s SC, ST Development Department.