Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday, 26 May released his book 'Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav' at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, offering a personal account of his 35-year association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a window into the latter's public life. The launch drew a gathering of senior political figures, writers, and social leaders from across the country.

Who Launched the Book

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda formally unveiled the book at the event. Several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from multiple states — including those of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh — travelled to the national capital to attend the launch, underscoring the political weight attached to the occasion.

What the Book Covers

The book chronicles Chouhan's journey alongside Modi — spanning their shared years as party workers, their respective tenures as Chief Ministers, and their current roles at the Centre. Chouhan has described the work as a reflection of 'warmth, closeness and humility' he witnessed over more than three decades of political and organisational association with the Prime Minister.

In a post on his X handle, Chouhan wrote: 'I am fully confident that this book will acquaint the new generation with the breadth of Prime Minister's personality, the vastness of his heart, his dedication to national service, and his intimate affection toward workers.'

Why Chouhan Wrote It

Speaking to reporters ahead of the launch, Chouhan said the book is intended to serve as a 'lesson' for those interested in governance and public leadership. He also expressed hope that it would inspire youth and help them understand 'the commitment and dedication of a true leader,' according to his remarks at the event.

Notably, the book positions itself not as a biography but as a first-person account — grounded in lived experience rather than archival research — which gives it a distinct texture compared to conventional political memoirs.

Broader Significance

The release comes as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marks its third consecutive term in government under Modi. Political memoirs by serving ministers are relatively uncommon in India's parliamentary tradition; Chouhan's account, drawing on decades of proximity to the Prime Minister, is likely to be closely read within party circles and by students of Indian political history. Several authors and social leaders who attended the launch welcomed the book as a contribution to the documentation of contemporary Indian governance.

The book is expected to reach readers through major booksellers in the coming weeks.