PM Modi to release Ram Nath Kovind autobiography at Vigyan Bhavan
Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi will personally launch former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography on 11 August at Vigyan Bhavan — a book that traces one of Indian politics' most unlikely journeys: from a Koli family in rural Kanpur Dehat to the 14th President of India, and the first from Uttar Pradesh to hold the office.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi will release Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography on 11 August at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi , at 9:30 am IST .
The book is titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles' .
Kovind was born on 1 October 1945 in Paraunkh village, Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh , into a Koli family.
He served as President of India from 2017 to 2022 — the first person from Uttar Pradesh and the first BJP-backed candidate to hold the post.
Prior to the presidency, he served as Governor of Bihar (2015–2017) and as a Rajya Sabha MP for 12 years across two terms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the autobiography of former President Ram Nath Kovind, titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles', on Wednesday, 11 August at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) confirmed the event, scheduled for 9:30 am IST, and said Modi will also address the gathering.
What the PMO Said
The PMO described the launch as 'a significant occasion celebrating the life and contributions of one of India's most distinguished public figures.' According to the official statement, the autobiography offers 'a deeply personal account of Ram Nath Kovind's remarkable life journey, tracing his experiences, struggles and achievements from his early years to his distinguished public life and eventual service as the 14th President of India.'
The book also provides insights into the values and circumstances that shaped Kovind's approach to public service across decades.
From Paraunkh Village to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Ram Nath Kovind was born on 1 October 1945 in Paraunkh village, Kanpur Dehat district, Uttar Pradesh, into a Koli family. His trajectory from a rural background to the country's highest constitutional office is at the heart of the autobiography's narrative.
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1991 and went on to lead the BJP Dalit Morcha between 1998 and 2002, as well as serving as president of the All-India Koli Samaj. His early electoral bids were unsuccessful — he contested the Ghatampur Assembly constituency and later the Bhognipur seat in the 2007 Assembly elections, losing both — but his parliamentary career proved more enduring.
In April 1994, Kovind was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh, serving two consecutive terms totalling 12 years until March 2006.
A Historic Presidency
Kovind served as Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017 before being elected President of India, a post he held from 2017 to 2022. He was the first person from Uttar Pradesh and the first BJP-backed candidate to occupy the top constitutional office in the country — a distinction that underscores the political and social significance of his rise.
Why the Launch Matters
The choice of Vigyan Bhavan — a venue synonymous with high-profile state events — and Prime Minister Modi's personal presence signal the political weight attached to the occasion. The autobiography arrives at a moment when narratives of social mobility and Dalit representation carry considerable resonance in Indian public life. Notably, Kovind's story spans grassroots party work, parliamentary service, gubernatorial experience, and a five-year presidency — making it one of the more comprehensive political memoirs to emerge from the BJP ecosystem.
Point of View
Rooted in a Dalit-OBC community from rural Uttar Pradesh, speaks directly to the BJP's sustained effort to consolidate non-dominant caste narratives within its ideological frame. The timing, ahead of a politically active calendar, amplifies that signal. What will be worth watching is whether the autobiography addresses the institutional tensions of a presidency — a largely ceremonial office — during a period of significant executive assertiveness, or whether it stays within the safer contours of a personal memoir.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography titled?
The autobiography is titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles.' It traces Kovind's journey from his early life in rural Uttar Pradesh to his tenure as the 14th President of India.
When and where will PM Modi release the book?
PM Modi will release the autobiography on Wednesday, 11 August, at 9:30 am IST at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The Prime Minister is also expected to address the gathering at the event.
Who is Ram Nath Kovind and why is he significant?
Ram Nath Kovind served as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022. He was the first person from Uttar Pradesh and the first BJP-backed candidate to hold the country's top constitutional post, having risen from a Koli family in Kanpur Dehat district.
What does the autobiography cover?
According to the PMO, the book offers a personal account of Kovind's life journey — from his early years and struggles to his roles as BJP Dalit Morcha chief, Rajya Sabha MP, Governor of Bihar, and President of India. It also covers the values and experiences that shaped his public service.
What was Ram Nath Kovind's political career before the presidency?
Kovind joined the BJP in 1991, led the BJP Dalit Morcha from 1998 to 2002, and was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in April 1994, serving two consecutive terms totalling 12 years. He served as Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017 before being elected President.
