Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 12 August called on the country's youth to draw inspiration from the lives of accomplished individuals and read their autobiographies, cautioning against the growing culture of shortcuts and social media-driven quick success. Modi made the appeal at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, where he launched the autobiography of former President Ram Nath Kovind, titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles'.

Modi's Message to the Youth

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister warned young Indians against being swept up by social media trends and the allure of overnight achievement. He cited a phrase he said was inscribed at railway stations: 'Shortcuts will cut you short' — urging youth to instead embrace perseverance and sustained effort.

'It's the age of reels, social media influencers take you away, but in this age of shortcuts, we must remember one thing written on railway stations — Shortcuts will cut you short,' Modi said.

He added: 'I would urge the youth to read the autobiography of anyone they admire. An autobiography offers a different perspective on historical events; the period covered in a biography brings one very close to history.'

Kovind's Life as a Blueprint

Modi described former President Kovind's journey from a humble background to the highest constitutional office as a living example of what determination, simplicity, and honesty could achieve. He said Kovind's story held particular resonance for those from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged sections of society.

'A person like Kovind-ji has not only brought honour to his own life but has also played a pivotal role in realising dreams cherished for centuries — the vision of India's new construction — an India where the poorest of the poor and the most deprived had the opportunity to reach the top,' Modi said.

The Prime Minister noted that the autobiography contains detailed accounts of Kovind's experiences with former Prime Minister Morarji Desai and how those interactions shaped his approach to public service and politics.

A Record of Public Duty

Modi highlighted Kovind's long arc of public service — from his tenure in Parliament to his role as Governor and ultimately as President of India — as a consistent demonstration of duty and commitment. He noted that even after leaving the highest constitutional post, Kovind remained engaged with issues of national significance.

'Even now, he is working on important issues like One Nation, One Election and awakening the country,' Modi said, referring to Kovind's continued public role post-presidency.

Broader Significance

The event underscored a recurring theme in Modi's public communication — using individual life stories as vehicles for social messaging, particularly around work ethic and national service. This comes amid a broader national conversation about youth employment, aspiration, and the influence of digital culture on the values and choices of young Indians.

Modi expressed hope that the hard work behind Kovind's autobiography would prove 'beneficial to future generations and especially to the youth,' positioning the book as a resource not just for political history but for personal development.