New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, and recalled his long association with the former President.
Addressing the book launch event, PM Modi praised Kovind’s guidance and affection during his tenure as President and described the autobiography as a “priceless legacy” for Indian democracy and society.
PM Modi Urges People to Read the Book
PM Modi said he had known Ram Nath Kovind for a long time and had the opportunity to work closely with him.
Recalling Kovind’s tenure as President, Modi said his guidance and personal affection had been valuable to him. He said the autobiography would provide readers with an opportunity to understand Kovind’s life journey, struggles and contribution to the nation.
The Prime Minister urged people, particularly the younger generation, to read the book and learn from Kovind’s experiences.
He said the book’s title carries an important message: while the struggles described in Kovind’s life were personal, the eventual triumph represented the triumph of the Indian Republic and Indian democracy.
“A Book Launch Should Be a Curtain-Raiser”
PM Modi said he could speak at length about Kovind’s life and contribution to society and the country, but suggested that the book launch should serve only as a “curtain-raiser.”
He encouraged people to read the autobiography themselves to gain a deeper understanding of the former President’s experiences.
Recalled Kovind’s Humility
PM Modi also recalled several personal interactions with Kovind.
He said that while serving as President, Kovind would often go beyond formal protocol and personally walk up to the car door to see the Prime Minister off.
Modi said he had initially requested Kovind not to do so, but the former President never abandoned his humility.
The Prime Minister also recalled Kovind’s visit to his native village Paraunkh after becoming President. During the visit, Kovind reportedly touched the feet of his teachers, bowed to the soil of his village and expressed gratitude to local residents.
PM Modi said such gestures offered the world a glimpse of India’s cultural values and made Indians proud.
PM Modi Recalls Kovind’s Childhood Tragedy
The Prime Minister also spoke emotionally about an incident from Kovind’s childhood described in the autobiography.
According to Modi, a fire once broke out at Kovind’s home during summer. His mother, concerned about saving household belongings needed to raise the family, became trapped in the fire and died.
Modi said that experiencing such a tragedy and losing one’s mother at a young age must have been deeply painful.
He also reflected on his own experience of losing his mother, saying that although she lived for more than 100 years and continued to bless him, he still feels the emptiness caused by her absence.
Ram Nath Kovind Calls Book Launch an Emotional Moment
Former President Ram Nath Kovind said the launch of his autobiography was an emotional moment for him.
Addressing the gathering, Kovind thanked everyone for attending the event and said that he had already shared his experiences and life journey through the book.
He remarked that although he had addressed audiences on many occasions, the occasion of his autobiography’s launch was different and particularly emotional.
The autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, chronicles Kovind’s journey and experiences, offering readers an account of the personal struggles and milestones that shaped his public life.
