Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional while speaking about motherhood and personal loss at the launch of former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles. Modi was referring to a heartbreaking episode from Kovind’s childhood, in which his mother died after being caught in a fire at their family home.
According to the account in Kovind’s book, the tragedy occurred when he was very young. His mother reportedly tried to protect household possessions during the fire, reflecting the difficult circumstances faced by families with limited resources. Modi said the incident illustrated the extraordinary sacrifices mothers often make for their children and reflected on how devastating such a loss must have been for a child.
The Prime Minister then recalled his own mother, saying he had been fortunate that she lived for more than a century and continued to provide him with her blessings for much of his life. Despite her long life, he said her absence remains deeply felt.
Speaking about Kovind’s journey, Modi described his life as an example of determination and perseverance. He said the former president’s experiences demonstrate how individuals can overcome severe hardships and eventually reach the country’s highest constitutional positions.
Modi also used the occasion to encourage young Indians to read autobiographies. He argued that such books provide readers with a way to understand history and social changes through the personal experiences of people who lived through them. He contrasted this deeper learning with today’s fast-paced social media culture, where short videos and influencers increasingly shape how young people consume information.
Kovind, meanwhile, spoke about his early years in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur Dehat district. He recalled growing up with limited resources and said his surroundings taught him values such as compassion, cooperation, and affection for others.
He also reflected on the hardships faced by his family, including periods when rainwater entered their home through the roof. Kovind noted the progress made through government housing initiatives, saying such programs have helped many disadvantaged families gain access to secure homes and live with greater dignity.
The former president also recalled the influence of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his interactions with Modi. He explained that his decision to associate with the BJP was influenced by his belief that the party placed national interests above considerations of family lineage and community.
