Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister releases former President's autobiography, ‘Bharatiya Ganatantra Ki Vijaygatha: Mera Jeevan, Mera Sangharsh’, at Lok Bhavan
Yogi highlights Kovind's journey from a village school to the country's highest constitutional office; urges youth to read biographies instead of wasting time on social media
Lucknow, October 2026 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday released the autobiography of former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, titled Bharatiya Ganatantra Ki Vijaygatha: Mera Jeevan, Mera Sangharsh (The Saga of the Indian Republic's Triumph: My Life, My Struggle), at the Lok Bhavan auditorium in the presence of the former President.
Describing Kovind's journey from a life marked by hardship to the country's highest constitutional office as an inspiration for every Indian, the Chief Minister said he had transformed deprivation into a source of determination rather than allowing it to become an obstacle. Through hard work, perseverance and unwavering resolve, Kovind had shaped his own destiny, Yogi said, adding that his life offered valuable lessons for students and young people.
The Chief Minister noted that Kovind's visit was particularly significant for Uttar Pradesh, which is both his birthplace and the land where he pursued much of his public service. He also highlighted the importance of releasing the Hindi version of the autobiography in Lucknow, the capital of the state where the former President was born. The book's original version had earlier been released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
From a Life of Hardship to the Highest Constitutional Office
Yogi Adityanath said Kovind's autobiography tells the story of an Indian who refused to allow difficult circumstances to obstruct his progress.
Born into an extremely poor family in Paraunkh village, Kovind lost his mother during childhood. Despite these hardships, he neither gave up nor allowed his circumstances to become a reason to seek favours from others.
He received his early education at a village school, pursued higher studies and became a lawyer, using his professional position to represent the interests of the poor and disadvantaged. He subsequently entered public life, guided by nationalist ideas.
Beginning his political journey as a member and office-bearer of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kovind went on to become a Rajya Sabha member, Governor of Bihar and eventually the President of India.
The Chief Minister said Kovind's journey demonstrated that greatness does not emerge only from favourable circumstances; it is often achieved through the courage to confront adversity.
"His house may have been modest, but his resolve was firm," Yogi said, emphasising that this determination had laid the foundation for Kovind's achievements.
He added that favourable circumstances should encourage people to work towards public welfare and development, while difficult situations should inspire them to face challenges rather than retreat from the struggle.
These qualities, he said, enabled Kovind to serve for five years as the constitutional head of a nation of approximately 145 crore people. Throughout his public life, he discharged his responsibilities with simplicity, dignity and sensitivity to the sentiments of the Indian people.
Love for One's Birthplace Reflects Strong Values
The Chief Minister said Kovind's achievements extended beyond reaching the highest constitutional office. His affection for his birthplace, village and old acquaintances was equally noteworthy.
Yogi said he had visited Paraunkh village several times, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also travelled there.
He emphasised that remaining connected to one's roots should be an important value in every Indian's life. Even after completing his presidential tenure, Kovind continued to meet old friends and acquaintances whenever possible.
During visits to Kanpur, he made it a point to visit his village, while trips to Lucknow offered opportunities to reconnect with familiar faces. His relationships with people he had known for years, including local vendors selling chaat, tea and clothes, remained intact.
According to the Chief Minister, Kovind's life conveys an important message: no matter how high a person rises, they should never forget their origins, village, community or the people who played a role in their journey.
Lord Ram's Example Highlights the Importance of One's Motherland
To underline the significance of one's birthplace, Yogi referred to the episode involving Lord Ram and Lakshman after their victory over Lanka.
When Lakshman is said to have expressed a desire to remain in the golden city, Lord Ram explains the importance of one's motherland and birthplace.
The Chief Minister quoted the Sanskrit verse:
“Api Swarnamayi Lanka Na Me Lakshmana Rochate, Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi.”
The verse conveys that even a golden Lanka cannot compare with the love and importance of one's mother and motherland, which are greater than heaven itself.
Yogi said the message remains relevant today, reminding people to remain grateful to their roots regardless of their achievements.
Kovind Represented India on the Global Stage
The Chief Minister said that during his presidency, Kovind travelled to several Indian states and numerous countries, presenting India's position effectively and contributing to the strengthening of the country's international relationships.
His public life, Yogi added, reflected constitutional dignity, an approachable personality and a strong commitment to the nation.
Kovind's journey from a village to Rashtrapati Bhavan demonstrated that even the most ambitious goals could be achieved through determination and sustained effort, despite difficult beginnings.
Yogi Urges Youth to Read Biographies and Autobiographies
Addressing students and young people, the Chief Minister encouraged them to read the biographies and autobiographies of great personalities to draw inspiration from their lives.
He said studying the struggles of accomplished individuals helped readers understand how difficult circumstances could be transformed into sources of strength.
Kovind's autobiography, he added, was particularly valuable because it documented the journey from deprivation to the highest constitutional office in the country.
Yogi also called for reflection on the direction in which schools, colleges and gram panchayats were progressing, stressing the need to ensure that students had access to books capable of guiding their lives.
Good books, he said, were among the most important guides for individuals because they developed critical thinking, offered lessons drawn from experience and encouraged people to move forward with confidence.
Youth Should Read Books Instead of Spending Hours on Social Media
Expressing concern over the growing influence of smartphones and social media, the Chief Minister said people were spending five to seven hours a day on these platforms.
He suggested that dedicating even one or two hours of that time to reading and reflection could deliver far greater benefits.
Instead of spending time creating social media reels to collect likes, young people should focus on living meaningful lives, acquiring knowledge and developing their personalities, he said.
Yogi emphasised that real-life experiences, learning and personal growth were more valuable than virtual popularity. He urged young people to use their time wisely and make reading good books a regular habit.
Libraries Planned in Every Gram Panchayat
The Chief Minister said the Uttar Pradesh government was working to develop libraries in every gram panchayat, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.
He stated that 57,600 gram secretariats had been established in the state, with a separate room earmarked for a library in each facility. Arrangements were being developed to enable children from villages to use these libraries for reading and study.
The government was also focusing on digital libraries to expand access to educational resources.
Yogi described libraries as centres of knowledge, ideas and personality development, stressing that children in rural areas deserved access to quality books and learning materials to develop their abilities and prepare for the future.
He added that library development was also being undertaken on a wider scale in universities, colleges, secondary schools and institutions run by the Basic Education Council.
Book Fairs in Lucknow and Gorakhpur Draw Public Interest
Highlighting efforts to promote reading through book fairs organised in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), the Chief Minister recalled initial doubts about whether people would purchase books at a fair in Lucknow.
He said he had encouraged the NBT to organise the event on a trial basis. The response was encouraging, with large numbers of visitors attending and purchasing books.
Following its success, he suggested organising a similar fair in Gorakhpur, where participation and book sales were even higher.
The experience demonstrated that public interest in reading could be substantial when people were provided with the right platform and opportunities, even in places where expectations were initially modest, he said.
Yogi also referred to a book fair held on the Lucknow University campus, which attracted young people, students and visitors from different sections of society.
Several dignitaries attended the autobiography's release, including former President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife, Savita Kovind; Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana; Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak; Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna; Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun; and Kapish Mehra, Managing Director of Rupa Publications.
