PM Modi pays tribute to former President Ram Nath Kovind

Key Takeaways

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a tribute to former President Ram Nath Kovind on August 12, 2026 .

Modi described Kovind as someone who 'chose public service as the path of his life' and called him 'an inspiration for every Indian.' Ram Nath Kovind served as India's 14th President from 2017 to 2022 .

Before the presidency, Kovind served as Governor of Bihar and was a BJP leader with a background in law from Uttar Pradesh .

Modi regularly uses X to publicly honour former constitutional office-holders, reinforcing themes of duty and national service.

A life devoted to public service, remembered with quiet reverence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, paid tribute to former President Ram Nath Kovind, calling his dedication and spirit of service 'an inspiration for every Indian.'

Modi wrote: 'Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji chose public service as the path of his life and remained deeply committed to his duties throughout. His dedication and spirit of service are an inspiration for every Indian.'

From Kanpur's courts to Rashtrapati Bhavan

Ram Nath Kovind served as India's 14th President from 2017 to 2022, a tenure that capped a long arc in public life. Born in Uttar Pradesh, he trained as a lawyer before entering politics as a BJP leader. He served as Governor of Bihar before his elevation to the nation's highest constitutional office — a journey that carried him from the courts of Kanpur to the ceremonial heart of the republic on Raisina Hill.

A pattern of institutional tribute

Prime Minister Modi has established a consistent practice of publicly honouring former constitutional office-holders and party colleagues on X, drawing on themes of duty, sacrifice, and service. The tribute to Kovind fits squarely within that pattern — a deliberate effort to keep the legacies of senior public figures visible in national conversation.

The specific occasion prompting Wednesday's post has not been confirmed, but the warmth and directness of the message signal more than routine protocol. For a man who rose from modest beginnings to occupy Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Prime Minister's words serve as a public reminder that the republic's story is written, in no small part, by those who choose duty over convenience.

Point of View

Reinforcing an image of institutional continuity and respect for public service. Such posts serve a dual purpose: they honour the individual while also signalling the ruling party's identification with the values of duty and self-sacrifice. The absence of a confirmed occasion makes the timing noteworthy — unsolicited tributes often carry more political weight than those tied to a calendar event. It reflects Modi's deliberate effort to shape how the republic remembers its senior office-holders.

NationPress

12 Aug 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ram Nath Kovind?

Ram Nath Kovind is a former BJP leader and lawyer from Uttar Pradesh who served as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022, after previously serving as Governor of Bihar.

Why did PM Modi pay tribute to Ram Nath Kovind?

Prime Minister Modi praised Kovind's lifelong dedication to public service, calling his spirit of duty an inspiration for every Indian. The specific occasion for the August 2026 tribute has not been confirmed.

When did Ram Nath Kovind serve as President of India?

Ram Nath Kovind served as President of India from 2017 to 2022, completing a five-year term as the country's 14th President.

What did PM Modi say about Ram Nath Kovind?

Modi said that Kovind 'chose public service as the path of his life and remained deeply committed to his duties throughout,' adding that his 'dedication and spirit of service are an inspiration for every Indian.'

Does PM Modi regularly post tributes to former Presidents on X?

Yes, Prime Minister Modi has an established pattern of publicly honouring former constitutional office-holders and senior political figures on X, often emphasising themes of duty, service, and national inspiration.