New Delhi, 20 June 

 President Droupadi Murmu turned 67 on Friday, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the dignitaries who extended their greetings to her, and lauded her work to empower the downtrodden.

Murmu was born on 20 June, 1958 at Uparbeda village in Odisha's Mayurbhanj. She was sworn in as the 15th president of India on 25 July, 2022, making her the country's first tribal head of state.

The president, who is currently on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand, visited an institute for persons with visual disabilities. At a function there, she asserted that government policies are designed to empower people with disabilities and provide them equal opportunities to grow.

"India's history is full of instances of human kindness and inclusiveness," she said after a group of visually impaired children sang a song to wish her on her birthday.

"I could not hold back my tears. They were singing so beautifully. They were singing from their heart," Murmu said.

Extending birthday wishes, Vice President Dhankhar said Murmu's extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to the highest constitutional office, epitomising modesty, simplicity and sublimity, reflects the true spirit of our democracy.

"She has consistently set the highest standards throughout her journey in public service, as MLA, governor and now as the president of the largest democracy—a legacy worth emulation. I was honoured to personally greet her yesterday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. May this birthday bring her abundant health, happiness and joy, and may the Almighty bless her with continued strength to serve our nation," he said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Modi also extended birthday greetings to the president and said her life, leadership continue to inspire crores of people across the country.

"Her unwavering commitment to public service, social justice and inclusive development are a beacon of hope and strength for everyone. She has always worked to empower the poor and downtrodden. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people," he said.

Murmu thanked the vice president and the prime minister for the birthday wishes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Murmu's steadfast commitment to social justice, empowerment of the poor and inclusive growth continues to inspire the nation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also conveyed his greetings in a post on X, saying she is a great inspiration for the country.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Naveen Patnaik also wished Murmu on her birthday.

In a post on X in Hindi, Adityanath said Murmu was the symbol of service and simplicity. "I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for your long, healthy and glorious life," Adityanath posted on X.

Banerjee also extended birthday greetings to the president.

"May she be blessed with a long life, good health, and profound happiness as she continues to serve the nation with grace and dedication," she said.

In his message, Majhi described Murmu as the symbol of women power and pride of Odisha.

"Your life is an extraordinary example of struggle, dedication and success. Your journey from a common tribal family to Rashtrapati Bhavan is an inspiration for all people of India. Your simplicity, responsibility and dedication for the country are a model for all of us," Majhi wrote on X.

May India continue to progress under her leadership, he said.

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik expressed warm birthday wishes to the president, praying for her good and long life.

The Congress said it hoped President Murmu's unwavering dedication to the nation's progress, welfare and justice continues to lead the country on the path of truth and virtuousness.