BHUBANESWAR : What began as a simple visit to see President Droupadi Murmu turned into an unforgettable moment for Ananta Charan Behera, a retired Grade-IV employee of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Behera had only hoped to catch a glimpse of the President, but instead, he was left astonished when she recognised him instantly and called him by name.
Behera worked as a jamadar in Murmu’s office during her tenure as Odisha’s commerce and transport minister in the BJP-BJD coalition government from 2000 to 2004. As President Droupadi Murmu stepped out of Room No. 11 — her former ministerial office — she noticed him in the gathering. “Ananta, how are you? What are your son and daughter doing now?” President Murmu asked warmly.
Behera replied respectfully that he was well with God’s blessings and that both his children were now married. Reliving the moment later, a visibly moved Behera called it a “lifetime honour” that the President of India still remembered him. “I was completely taken aback. To hear my name from President Droupadi Murmu in front of the Chief Minister, ministers and so many dignitaries — it was unbelievable,” he said.
When asked how she knew about his family, Behera explained that she had always been aware of his personal life. “I had sent her invitations for both my son’s and daughter’s weddings. She couldn’t attend due to official duties, but she remembered everything. That shows her kindness,” he said with pride.
Behera also recalled his close association with her two decades ago. “In those days, MLAs and ministers used to receive their salaries in cash. I would collect her salary from the accounts section. She trusted me fully,” he said. He added that despite reaching the highest constitutional position, President Droupadi Murmu has retained her simplicity.
“She is still the same person — the same gentle smile, the same polite tone. She has always cared for her staff. I am proud that I once worked with her,” Behera said.
