What happens when your life changes in a single phone call? President Droupadi Murmu once recalled her experience when Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed her that she was being considered for the country’s highest constitutional office; her “hands and feet went numb,” and she was unable to speak. Psychiatrists say such reactions are not unusual when the brain is confronted with a moment of immense surprise, pressure, or responsibility. Speaking to Smriti Irani on All India Radio program ‘Nayi Soch Nayi Kahani’, Murmu recounted how she learned about her presidential candidature while at home in Odisha, where poor network connectivity had initially prevented officials from reaching her. Recalling the conversation, Murmu said: “Dusri taraf se maine pradhanmantri ji ka awaz suna to phir unhone bola, ‘Droupadi ji apko ye hum banana chahte hain.’ Mere hath paon poora sunn ho gaya. Mai bol nahi paayi. Maine bola, ‘theek hai, ap soch rahe haina to ap mere par itna vishwas kar rahe hain’ (When I heard the prime minister’s voice on the other end, he told me, …