Text of PM’s Media Statement in Turkmenistan

Our former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji, Honorable Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla ji, Mrs. Savita Kovind ji, all the senior dignitaries seated in the hall - I may not be able to mention everyone, but it gives me great joy that this feels like a family gathering.

Brothers and sisters,

Today we have the occasion of releasing Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji’s autobiography. I am happy that I too have had the fortune of being part of this program. I have had a long association with Kovind ji, the opportunity to know him closely, to receive his guidance as President, and along with all this, his special affection and warmth toward me - this has been a great treasure in my life. From what I have understood of his life, from what I have seen of his capabilities, I can say with full confidence that Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji’s autobiography will become a heritage for Indian democracy and Indian society. His life journey, his contribution to society and the nation - there is so much I could speak about, but at a book release only a “curtain raiser” should be given. You must read the book fully to gain its complete benefit.

Friends,

To know Kovind ji’s life journey in his own words, to read his writing, his experiences - this will give the new generation much to learn. I warmly congratulate Ram Nath Kovind ji for this autobiography.

Friends,

Kovind ji has given his book a very apt title - “Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles.” The meaning is that life and its struggles are personal, but the victories that came from those struggles belong to the Republic of India, to Indian democracy.

Friends,

We often see that human nature is such that people credit themselves for success, and blame society for difficulties. But when the heart is generous, when Indian values are present, then a person does not waste time finding faults in society. He focuses on the positive side, and considers society an equal partner in his success. Kovind ji’s autobiography and its title are examples of this. Look at his life - born in a very ordinary family in Kanpur Dehat. He has described, and written in his book, how one summer day a fire broke out in his house. His mother, forgetting her own safety, tried to save the household items. For a mother in a simple family, every item is a means of raising her children. In that effort, she was trapped in the fire and passed away. Imagine - at such a young age, to lose one’s mother in this way, how painful it must have been. I was fortunate that my mother lived beyond 100 years and blessed me. Even so, I still feel her absence.

Friends,

This painful incident could have broken anyone, but it made Kovind ji stronger. A neighbor mother helped in his upbringing. From this he understood the strength of social unity and harmony. After this incident, his father’s role became even greater. The way his father managed the family, gave values to the children - that is why Kovind ji considers his father his hero.

Friends,

Amidst these childhood struggles, Kovind ji made education the path to strengthen himself. He worked hard, did not let lack of resources become a weakness. And he reached a height that people could not even imagine then - he became the President of a vast country like India.

Friends,

Even after reaching such a high position, Kovind ji’s humble personality and simplicity remained intact. I remember, as Prime Minister when I went to meet him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he would do things beyond protocol. He would come to the car door to see off the Prime Minister. I used to request him not to do this, but he never left his humility till the end. After becoming President, when he went to his village Paraunkh, he touched the feet of his teachers and paid respect. He bowed to the soil of the village and thanked the ordinary people. The whole country saw that emotional scene. His conduct presented to the world a picture of Indian values that every Indian is proud of.

Friends,

In centuries of slavery, our country lost much economically and socially. Our ancestors struggled for centuries. Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule - so many great figures dreamed of a new India, where even the poorest and most deprived could reach the summit. Personalities like Kovind ji, through their labor and ability, not only changed their own lives, but played an important role in realizing that centuries‑old dream and vision. Our efforts in this direction continue. In the future, we need many youths like Kovind ji, who are not defeated by troubles, who do not despair before difficulties, but who have the courage to make every goal easier through hard work. This change will fulfill the resolve of building a strong India. From here will emerge the path to self‑reliant and developed India.

Friends,

For building such youth power, Kovind ji’s autobiography can be an important source of inspiration.

Friends,

In his autobiography, Kovind ji has also described in detail his experiences with Morarji Desai. The spirit of service to the nation that was within him, the learning and path he gained by working with Morarji bhai - Kovind ji made politics and social service his path. He remained dedicated to his duties. He made service his goal. His tenure in Parliament is witness to this. As Governor too, he set an example. As President, we saw the same dedication. Even after retiring from the highest post of President, he did not rest. He is still working on important subjects like One Nation, One Election. He is awakening the nation. This is a subject whose solution can begin a new chapter in Indian democracy. I believe the people of the country can learn much from Kovind ji’s dedication and spirit of service.

Friends,

Remaining active in social life, finding time for an autobiography is very difficult. Kovind ji has done this work for all of us, because his life contains so much in which people from poor and deprived backgrounds can see reflections of their own lives. How an ordinary family, even in difficult circumstances, does not compromise with purity and honesty of life. How those ideals later become the foundation of our lives. How the values of hard times give us light throughout life. How this purity gives us strength for national service. While fulfilling responsibilities in different positions, Kovind ji has continuously given this inspiration to society.

Friends,

I am confident that Kovind ji’s autobiography will preserve not only the memories of his life, but also important memories of our democracy. Once again, I extend my best wishes to him for his autobiography. And I especially urge the young generation - this is the age of reels, social media influencers pull you here and there. In this age of shortcuts, remember one thing. At railway stations it is written - some people jump across the tracks instead of using the bridge. There it is written: Shortcut will cut you short. Even if you want to go by shortcuts, I urge the youth - read autobiographies of whoever you admire. Autobiographies give you the chance to understand the events of history in a different way. They are close to history. That is why I want Kovind ji’s effort to benefit future generations, especially the youth. Many congratulations. Thank you very much