PM Modi calls on former President Kovind for Diwali
Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited former President Ram Nath Kovind and his family on Diwali, 8 November 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition of Indian prime ministers extending festival greetings to former constitutional heads of state.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi met former President Ram Nath Kovind and his family on 8 November 2026 for Diwali.
Kovind served as India's 14th President from 2017 to 2022 .
He was the first person from a Scheduled Caste background to hold the presidency.
The visit continues an established tradition of Indian prime ministers greeting former heads of state during major festivals.
Modi shared the meeting directly on X , tagging Kovind's official handle.
A simple visit, a warm greeting — and a tradition held. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and his family on Sunday, 8 November 2026, extending Diwali wishes in a gesture that reflects the quiet but steady courtesies of India's constitutional culture.
Modi shared the visit on X, writing: 'Met former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji and his family. Wished them on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.'
Kovind's place in India's constitutional history
Ram Nath Kovind served as India's 14th President from 2017 to 2022, making history as the first person from a Scheduled Caste background to hold the office. Before his presidency, he served as the Governor of Bihar. His tenure was marked by institutional steadiness, and he has remained a respected figure in public life since stepping down.A festival custom as old as the republic
Indian prime ministers have long observed the practice of greeting former heads of state during major festivals. Diwali, one of the country's most significant celebrations, has consistently been an occasion for such calls — a reflection of institutional respect that sits apart from day-to-day political currents. Modi has maintained this custom with former constitutional dignitaries both during and after their terms in office. The visit is a reminder that the republic's ceremonial fabric is stitched together as much by these personal gestures as by any formal protocol — and that some traditions endure, festival after festival.Point of View
These visible gestures of courtesy carry quiet political weight. Kovind's historic significance as the first Dalit president also gives any interaction with him a symbolic resonance beyond mere protocol. The visit signals that personal diplomacy within India's constitutional family remains a valued tool of soft statecraft.
NationPress
8 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PM Modi meet Ram Nath Kovind?
PM Modi visited former President Ram Nath Kovind and his family to extend Diwali greetings on 8 November 2026, continuing a tradition of Indian prime ministers calling on former constitutional dignitaries during major festivals.
Who is Ram Nath Kovind?
Ram Nath Kovind is India's 14th President, who served from 2017 to 2022. He was the first person from a Scheduled Caste background to hold the office and previously served as the Governor of Bihar.
Is it common for Indian PMs to visit former presidents on Diwali?
Yes. Indian prime ministers have a long-standing custom of greeting former heads of state during significant festivals like Diwali, reflecting institutional courtesy and respect for constitutional offices.
When did Modi meet Kovind for Diwali 2026?
The meeting took place on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and PM Modi shared news of the visit on his official X account the same evening.
