From Dalit student denied drinking water to President: Kovind reflects on his journey in new memoir

Former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has launched his memoir, "Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles," chronicling his remarkable ascent from a Dalit student facing discrimination to becoming India's President. The book, released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlights Kovind's perspective that his elevation to the highest office symbolized the strength and inclusivity of Indian democracy.

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I believed that my elevation to the highest post in the country symbolized the greatness of our democracy.

Kovind's memoir delves into his personal journey, including overcoming the tragedy of losing his mother at a young age and being raised by a neighbor. Prime Minister Modi, speaking at the launch, lauded Kovind's life as a testament to treating society as an equal partner in success. Modi also drew a parallel to his own mother, reflecting on the enduring impact of maternal presence.

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ONOE…is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of our electoral system, reducing the cost of elections, and enabling the government to focus on development without the frequent interruptions of staggered elections.

The book also offers insights into Kovind's interactions with prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L.K. Advani, as well as opposition leaders. Furthermore, Kovind strongly supports the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, arguing in his memoir that it would streamline the electoral process, cut costs, and allow governments to focus on development without frequent electoral interruptions. He describes the plan as a challenging but essential endeavor for a more stable democratic process, referencing the extensive consultations undertaken by the high-level committee he chaired.

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While it is a challenging endeavour, I believe it is essential for a more stable and cohesive democratic process.