Murmu's nomination sari has ashram link

BHUBANESWAR: The death of her youngest son in 2009 had left Droupadi Murmu, NDA’s presidential nominee, shattered. An engineering graduate, her son died under mysterious circumstances when he was only 21.

What brought her out of her grief and depression were meditation and spiritual healing at Prajapita Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya in her hometown of Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district where a broken Murmu had sought refuge, the ashram’s chief in-charge BK Supriya told TOI over phone.

“A mother of three (two sons and a daughter), she was emotionally drained. She did not have any mental strength left. Since she knew the Brahmakumaris’ ashram since 2000, she came to us and surrendered. She had gone very quiet,” Supriya said.

“Soon, we started yoga and meditation after which her mental health showed some improvement. Since she was also strong from within, she fought hard to overcome the tragedy. She stayed with us for three months and developed a bond. She loves the ashram and visits whenever she gets time. She has developed a rare camaraderie with the ashram’s sisters, brothers and inmates,” Supriya said.

Supriya said a little over a year after the death of her eldest son, her younger son died in an accident but by then, Murmu was strong enough to face the second tragedy. A year later, her husband also died of cardiac arrest. “Now her daughter and two grand-daughters are dearest to her,” she said. A white sari became her favourite attire after her stint at the ashram. On the day of nomination too, she chose the outfit.