PM Modi Releases Ram Nath Kovind's Autobiography, Urges Youth to Avoid Shortcuts

A Life Story Launched

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released the autobiography of former President Ram Nath Kovind, a memoir that traces an extraordinary journey from a small Uttar Pradesh village to the highest constitutional office in the country. The launch event, held in New Delhi, drew political leaders, dignitaries and admirers of the former President.

The book, which has been widely anticipated since its announcement, chronicles Kovind's decades in public life — as a lawyer, a parliamentarian, and ultimately the President of India from 2017 to 2022. The Prime Minister's presence underscored the significance of the release, marking a rare moment of bipartisan appreciation for a leader known for his quiet dignity.

PM's Advice to the Youth

Speaking at the event, PM Modi urged young Indians to turn to autobiographies for guidance, saying that real-life stories offer lessons that no textbook can. He pointed to Kovind's life as a testament to perseverance, noting how the former President rose from modest beginnings through hard work and integrity.

The Prime Minister's most striking remark came as a direct warning to the younger generation: 'Shortcut will cut you short.' He elaborated that success achieved through shortcuts rarely lasts, and that enduring achievements demand patience and effort. The phrase quickly became the talking point of the day, with many on social media applauding the sentiment.

A Journey of Humility and Service

Ram Nath Kovind's story is one of remarkable ascent. Born in 1945 in a mud-house in Paraon village in Kanpur Dehat, he went on to become a Supreme Court lawyer, a Rajya Sabha member, the Governor of Bihar, and then the President of India. His tenure was marked by a focus on education, rural development and the rights of marginalised communities.

At the launch, several speakers recalled Kovind's unassuming nature and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His autobiography is expected to offer readers an intimate look at the decisions and relationships that shaped his career, as well as his reflections on India's democratic evolution over seven decades.

Why Autobiographies Matter

PM Modi's call for youth to read autobiographies fits into a broader push by his government to encourage reading and self-improvement. He argued that the struggles and triumphs of leaders like Kovind provide a moral compass in times of uncertainty. 'When you read about the lives of great people, you realise that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise,' he said.

The event also served as a reminder of the Prime Minister's own affinity for books — he has often spoken about his reading habits and has recommended several biographies in his monthly radio addresses. Observers noted that the launch could spark renewed interest in the genre among young readers, many of whom are more accustomed to scrolling social media than flipping pages.

The autobiography is now available in bookstores and online platforms, with publishers expecting strong sales given the public interest. Critics and readers alike will be watching to see if the book offers new insights into the functioning of the Rashtrapati Bhavan during a period of significant political change in India.

As the event concluded, PM Modi posed for photographs with Kovind and the book's publishers, a gesture that underlined the warmth between the two leaders. For now, the focus shifts to readers — and whether Kovind's story of quiet determination will inspire a generation to choose the longer, more rewarding road.