Narendra Modi on Wednesday released former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, and praised his humility, public service, and contribution to India’s democratic institutions.
Narendra Modi said he had learned a lot from Kovind’s guidance and warmth, and his personal conduct has left a lasting impression on him. During the book launch in New Delhi, he reflected on the long-standing relationship he had with him and said the former President's guidance and warmth had left a lasting impression on him.
Modi said the autobiography could be a valuable contribution to understanding India’s democratic journey. He advised young Indians to read the book themselves rather than just read short accounts of Kovind’s life.
The Prime Minister said Kovind’s personal journey shows us how individual struggles can be part of a larger national story.
PM Modi Recalls His Association With Kovind
As he recalled his relationship with the former President, Modi said he had known Kovind for many years and had the opportunity to observe his personality closely.
He hailed Kovind’s guidance during his tenure as President and described the affection and warmth that he showed to people around him.
According to Modi, these qualities made Kovind’s public life so much more significant and provided an example of how constitutional responsibilities can be carried out with humility.
The Prime Minister said the book launch should only be an introduction to Kovind’s journey and urged people to read the full autobiography to understand the experiences and circumstances that shaped his life.
Kovind’s Childhood Struggles Highlighted
One of the most emotional aspects of Kovind's autobiography, Modi said, is the account of hardships he faced as a child.
The Prime Minister referred to the loss of Kovind’s mother at a young age. He recalled the former President’s account of a fire at his family home in which his mother died while attempting to save household belongings.
Modi said experiences of such magnitude at a young age can have a profound impact on an individual and help explain the resilience that Kovind showed later in life.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the book’s title. He said the hardships described in the autobiography were personal, but the achievement of Kovind’s rise to the highest constitutional office was proof of the strength and success of India’s democratic system.
Modi Urges Youth to Read Autobiographies
Modi’s speech was about the importance of reading in the lives of young people.
He said the younger generation should not limit itself to short-form digital content and social media but should develop a reading habit.
Referring to the popularity of reels and social media influencers, Modi said young Indians should also make time to read biographies and autobiographies.
He suggested that people read the autobiography of anyone they admire because those books can help to better understand the person and the historical period in which they lived.
Modi argued that autobiographies can help readers understand the challenges, decisions, and circumstances that shaped well-known personalities.
Kovind’s Humility as President Recalled
The Prime Minister also recalled some personal moments in Kovind's tenure as President.
One example was Kovind walking towards the car door to see Modi off after meetings. Modi said he had first asked Kovind not to do so, as it was a matter of protocol, but the former President continued the gesture.
Modi presented the incident as an example of Kovind’s personal warmth and humility.
He also recalled Kovind’s visit to his native village, Paraunkh, where the former President paid respect to his teachers and interacted with villagers.
Modi said that Kovind's conduct during such occasions reflected Indian culture and showed an image of those traditions to audiences around the world.
Kovind Continues to Engage in National Issues
Even though Kovind is no longer President, Modi said he continues to engage with important national issues.
The Prime Minister specifically mentioned Kovind’s participation in discussions about One Nation, One Election, which is an issue of synchronizing elections in the country.
Modi said that finding solutions to the major electoral and democratic problems could potentially open a new chapter in India’s democratic journey.
The reference was to the former President's continuing involvement in public affairs even after his constitutional term.
A Message for Future Generations
When Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles was published, it was far more than a book launch. Modi took the time to give a speech on perseverance, reading, and public service.
Modi said Kovind’s ascent from a difficult childhood to the presidency shows how India’s democratic institutions can provide opportunities for people from different backgrounds to rise to the highest levels of public life.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that Kovind’s experiences and reflections would inspire future generations and encourage young Indians to understand the importance of hard work, perseverance, and service to the nation.
The autobiography is expected to provide readers with a personal account of the former President’s life, struggles, public career, and experiences within India’s constitutional system.
Such a book would help young Indians to look beyond the fast-paced world of social media and learn from the longer, more complicated journeys of those who have shaped the country’s public life.
