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

Former President Ram Nath Kovind’s new memoir, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, traces his remarkable journey from experiencing caste discrimination as a schoolboy in rural Uttar Pradesh to becoming India’s second Dalit President.

In the early years after Independence, Dalit students at a primary school in Paraunkh village were reportedly not allowed to drink water freely. They had to inform their teacher, who would then ask another student to serve them water. Students from savarna families did not face the same restriction.

Years later, on July 25, 2017, one of those students, Ram Nath Kovind, took charge as the President of India, completing what he describes as an extraordinary journey from a village in Uttar Pradesh to the Central Hall of Parliament and ultimately to the country’s highest constitutional office.

Kovind’s 334-page memoir, published by Rupa Publications, was released in Delhi on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I believed that my elevation to the highest post in the country symbolized the greatness of our democracy,” Kovind writes.

The book chronicles his childhood, legal and political career, tenure as Bihar governor and President, and his life after leaving office in July 2022. It also provides personal accounts of his interactions with political leaders including Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani and former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

Modi recalls Kovind’s childhood tragedy

Speaking at the book launch, Modi described Kovind’s life as an example of how individuals should view society as “an equal partner in his success” rather than blame it for their difficulties.

Modi recalled that Kovind lost his mother in a house fire when he was just four years old. He said the tragedy made Kovind stronger and recalled how a neighbour helped raise him while his father became his “hero”.

Modi also referred to his own mother, Heeraben, saying he was fortunate that she lived beyond 100, although he could still “feel her absence”. Heeraben died in December 2022.

Kovind backs ‘One Nation, One Election’

Kovind strongly supports the “One Nation, One Election” proposal in his memoir, drawing on his experience as chairman of the high-level committee that examined simultaneous elections.

He argues that the proposal could improve the efficiency of India’s electoral system, reduce election-related expenditure and allow governments to focus more consistently on development without frequent interruptions caused by staggered polls.

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

Kovind says the committee held 65 meetings over 191 days and consulted political parties, constitutional experts, political leaders and members of the public.

Of the 62 political parties approached by the panel, 47 submitted responses. Thirty-two supported simultaneous elections, while 15 opposed the proposal. The BJP and several regional parties, including the BJD, Shiv Sena, JD(U), SAD and AIADMK, backed the proposal, while the Congress opposed it.

Ram Janmabhoomi movement and BJP entry

Kovind’s account of his entry into the BJP is closely connected with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

He recalls attending a large VHP rally at Delhi’s Boat Club on April 4, 1991, in support of the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. Vajpayee and VHP leader Ashok Singhal were present at the event, as was Modi, who was then involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Kovind recalls Modi’s role in a signature campaign for the Ram temple in 1991.

He describes Vajpayee’s speech on an inclusive society, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as a “powerful catalyst” in his decision to join the BJP. Kovind formally joined the party in April 1991.

He writes that the BJP’s support for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement represented “a burning issue of cultural nationalism” and a contest between “pseudo-secularism and real equal respect to every religion”.

Ambedkar’s influence

The former President also discusses the profound influence of BR Ambedkar on his life and public service.

Kovind recalls a 2001 Dalit Sangam rally at Delhi’s Red Fort where Vajpayee declared that his government would function on the basis of “Bhim Smriti” rather than “Manusmriti”.

His recollections of Modi go back to the latter’s years as BJP general secretary (organisation). Kovind describes Modi as “meticulous and methodical” and recalls working with him during preparations for the 2001 rally.

Praise for Manmohan Singh

Despite his long association with the BJP, Kovind writes warmly about leaders from across the political spectrum.

He pays particular tribute to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, describing him as a politician whose humility, modesty and gentleness defined his personality.

“One had so much to learn from the erudite and soft-spoken Dr Manmohan Singh,” Kovind writes.

He also recalls his presidential campaign, when he travelled across the country seeking support from political parties and leaders. Several opposition and regional parties backed his candidature.

However, former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati ultimately did not vote for him. Kovind writes that they were “perhaps guided more by political interests”.

The memoir offers an unusual perspective on India’s political journey through the eyes of a former President who experienced social discrimination as a child, rose through the BJP’s ranks and eventually occupied the country’s highest constitutional office.