Page 44 - NIS English 01-15 September, 2026

NATION | The Former President’s Autobiography

A Legacy for Indian

Democracy and Society

The Autobiography of Former President Ram Nath Kovind

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Prime Minister’s full program.

When a person possesses a generous heart and is rooted in Indian values, he does not waste
time finding fault with society; instead, he focuses on its positive aspects and views society
as an equal partner in their success. Former President Ram Nath Kovind embodies this spirit.
That is why, at the launch of his autobiography, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the
book as a legacy for Indian democracy and society.

ne summer, a fire broke out at the former Presi- those struggles belongs to the Indian Republic. PM
Odent’s home. His mother, setting aside concerns Modi said, “I have known Kovind-ji for a very long time
for her own safety, tried to save the household be- and have had the opportunity to know him closely. His
longings; in that very attempt, she became trapped guidance as President, along with his special affection
in the flames and lost her life. Losing one’s mother in and warmth towards me, has been a tremendous asset
such a manner at a tender age must have been deeply to me. Having understood his life and recognized his
painful. While such an event could have shattered capabilities, I can say with full confidence that Ram Nath
anyone, these circumstances only made the former Kovind-ji’s autobiography will become a legacy in itself
President stronger. A mother from the neighborhood for Indian democracy and society.”
helped raise him. Through this experience, he came PM Modi urged the younger generation... noting that
to understand the power of social unity and harmony. this is the era of ‘Reels’ and social media influencers who
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared this story about often draw people in various directions. He emphasized
former President Ram Nath Kovind during the book that even in this age of shortcuts, one must remember
launch. He urged the nation’s new generation to read a crucial lesson: just as some people at railway stations
the former President’s life journey in his own words to habitually jump onto the tracks instead of using the
engage with his writings and experiences. footbridge—where signs warn that “a shortcut will cut
Prime Minister Modi remarked that the book has you short”—young people should also be mindful of
been given a very apt title—”Triumph of the Indian the path they choose. He encouraged the youth to read
Republic: My Life, My Struggles.” The underlying the autobiographies of figures they admire, noting that
sentiment is that while the life lived and the struggles such books offer a unique perspective on historical
faced were personal to him, the triumph resulting from events from those specific eras. n

42 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || Sep 01-15, 2026