PM Modi releases Ram Nath Kovind autobiography at Vigyan Bhavan
Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi personally released former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography at Vigyan Bhavan — a book that traces one of India's most unlikely political journeys: from a Koli family in rural Kanpur Dehat to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, through early electoral defeats, a decade in the Rajya Sabha, and a historic presidency as the first BJP member to hold the post.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi released Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles' on 12 August .
The event was held at 9:30 am IST at Vigyan Bhavan , New Delhi .
Kovind served as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022 , the first from Uttar Pradesh and the first from the BJP to hold the post.
He was born on 1 October 1945 in Paraunkh village , Kanpur Dehat , Uttar Pradesh, and joined the BJP in 1991 .
Kovind served two consecutive Rajya Sabha terms totalling 12 years and was Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017 before his presidency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 August released the autobiography of former President Ram Nath Kovind, titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles', at a formal ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, at 9:30 am IST. The Prime Minister also addressed the gathering at the event, which the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) described as 'a significant occasion celebrating the life and contributions of one of India's most distinguished public figures.'
What the Book Covers
According to the PMO, 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 insight into the values and circumstances that shaped his path to public service.
PM Modi's Remarks Ahead of the Event
Ahead of the release, Prime Minister Modi shared his intent to attend on social media platform X, writing: 'At 9:30 AM tomorrow, 12th August, will take part in the programme to mark the release of the book 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles.' It is the autobiography of our former President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji. The book is about his inspiring life and efforts to serve society.'
Kovind's Journey: From Paraunkh to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Ram Nath Kovind was born on 1 October 1945 in Paraunkh village, Kanpur Dehat district, Uttar Pradesh, into a Koli family. 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 serve as president of the All-India Koli Samaj.
His electoral journey was marked by early setbacks — he contested the Ghatampur Assembly constituency after joining the BJP but lost, and subsequently lost again from Bhognipur in the 2007 Assembly elections. However, in April 1994, he 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 position he held from 2017 to 2022. He was notably the first person from Uttar Pradesh and the first from the BJP to occupy the country's highest constitutional post. His autobiography is expected to shed light on this trajectory — from a village in Kanpur Dehat to the Rashtrapati Bhavan — and the political and personal milestones along the way.
The release of the book comes as Kovind's legacy as a trailblazer for Dalit representation in India's highest office continues to be a subject of national reflection.
Point of View
Not through dynastic inheritance but through party ranks. What the book will likely not dwell on are the structural limits of that journey — Kovind lost two assembly elections and never won a popular mandate before reaching Rashtrapati Bhavan. The autobiography's reception will test whether his story resonates beyond the BJP's base as a genuinely national narrative.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography about?
'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles' is a personal account of former President Ram Nath Kovind's life, tracing his journey from a Koli family in Paraunkh village, Kanpur Dehat, to serving as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022. The book covers his early struggles, political career, and the values that shaped his public service.
Where and when was the autobiography released?
The autobiography was released on 12 August at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, at 9:30 am IST. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the event and also addressed the gathering.
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 member of the BJP to hold the country's highest constitutional post, making his rise from a Koli family in rural Kanpur Dehat historically significant.
What was Ram Nath Kovind's political career before the presidency?
Kovind joined the BJP in 1991 and led the BJP Dalit Morcha from 1998 to 2002. He served two consecutive terms in the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh totalling 12 years, and was Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017 before being elected President. He lost two assembly election bids — from Ghatampur and Bhognipur — earlier in his career.
What did PM Modi say about the book?
Ahead of the release, PM Modi posted on X that the book is 'about his inspiring life and efforts to serve society,' and confirmed he would personally participate in the launch event at 9:30 am on 12 August.
