Political persona Sarswati Hembram was born on May 10, 1949, in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha; she is a social reformer. She is considered a forerunner of tribal politics in Odisha. From her early formative years, she has been nurtured in the values of the Indian National Congress Party. This fervor for public service became a very impactful story in her life and with much social and political work towards ceaseless advocacy for tribal empowerment and educational advancement of her community.

As a member of the Santhal tribe, through her work, Saraswati Hembram has become a voiced concern for the indigenous population in Odisha. This tribe, rich in customs and culture, has been subjected to several socio-economic struggles over history. Due to her accomplishments, Saraswati is now held in much esteem among the Santhal people, with the possibility of tribal women being agents of change in politics. Her journey is symbolic of her community's hopes for representation and progress through leadership.

The year 1990 became a turning point when she became the first tribal woman in Odisha to be appointed as a minister, a historically significant event. Later, in 1999, she was appointed as a Cabinet Minister, again validating the spirit of a trailblazer that she so rightly earned. Her political success thus became a torch of inspiration for tribal women, telling them that they too could see themselves in positions of power to make vital changes in the lives of marginalized communities. Saraswati Hembram devoted herself to improving the educational status of the tribal people. She laid down educational institutions across regions to promote better accessibility to learning for marginalized communities. As the founder and President of Baba Balia College in Baiganbaria in Kuliana Block, she aimed to uplift tribal youth by providing them with quality education. She also set up "Ananta Sudha Prangya Vihar," a nursery school in Baripada, to work for early childhood education of poor children.

Apart from her ministerial duties, Saraswati Hembram has actively worked against the social evils plaguing tribal communities. Between 1964 and 1967, she was a member of the Mayurbhanj Adivasi Students' Association, where she agitated for tribal education and welfare. She helped set up a condensed course for underprivileged girls at Baripada and an Oriya Upper Primary School at Kiriburu hill-top in the Keonjhar district. Her enduring leadership and commitment shall be with the history of Odisha's tribal development.