‘Shortcut will cut you short’: PM Modi at Kovind autobiography launch urges youth to read life stories
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon young Indians to read autobiographies and draw lessons from the struggles of those who overcame adversity, cautioning that in the “era of reels”, taking shortcuts could prove costly.
Speaking at the launch of former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, in New Delhi, Mr. Modi said Mr. Kovind’s journey from a humble village in Uttar Pradesh to the highest constitutional office was a testament to determination and hard work.
“Today is the era of reels; social media influencers draw you somewhere. But in this age too, remember what’s written at railway stations: Shortcut will cut you short,” the Prime Minister said, urging the youth to turn to life stories of eminent personalities instead.
He described the former president’s efforts after demitting office as exemplary, noting that Mr. Kovind had not rested and was actively engaged with the “One Nation, One Election” initiative, which Mr. Modi said could “open a new chapter in Indian democracy”. He added that these contributions were part of a continued service to the nation.
The launch comes amid a broader push by the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party to connect with first-time voters and young social media users. Earlier this year, after nationwide protests over medical entrance exam issues, Mr. Modi had asked his ministerial colleagues to actively post on platforms like Instagram. The Prime Minister himself has increased his own social media output in recent weeks.
Mr. Modi said Mr. Kovind’s autobiography would become “heritage for Indian democracy”, expressing hope that it would inspire more people like him. “We need many more young people who would be like Kovind in future; people who are not defeated by circumstances, but possess the determination to overcome every challenge. They will pave the way for a self-reliant India,” he said.
Referring to the book’s title, the Prime Minister said that while Mr. Kovind’s struggles were personal, the “victories of those struggles belong to the Indian democracy”. He recalled that Mr. Kovind had lost his mother in a childhood fire and was raised by his father, who instilled strong values in him. The tragedy instead of breaking him, strengthened his resolve, Mr. Modi noted.
In his address, Mr. Kovind recalled his early years in Kanpur Dehat, where his family lived in a house with a leaking roof during the monsoon. He credited the villagers for teaching him compassion and said the values he acquired there shaped his life. He expressed satisfaction that crores of poor families have now received permanent housing under government schemes, allowing them to live with dignity.
The former President spoke warmly of his interactions with Mr. Modi during his tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan, mentioning conversations that went beyond protocol and the Prime Minister’s personal gesture of seeing him off to his car. He also recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s commitment to uplifting the “last person in the line”.
Explaining his long association with the BJP, Mr. Kovind said he was drawn to the party because it placed the nation above dynasty or community considerations.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who also attended the event, described Mr. Kovind as a “living sketch” of determination and credited him with strengthening India’s diplomatic ties. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and several Union ministers were present on the occasion.
