By Ram Nath Kovind

Rupa Publications, 400 pages, Rs 795

 

All our presidents so far stand out, each for a different reason. Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th president of India, from 2017 to 2022, is fondly remembered as ‘Everybody’s President’. In this new book, he narrates the story of his life with candour, modesty, and a sense of drama.

 

‘Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles’ is an inspiring success story that has many lessons for today. In this, Kovind recalls his childhood in Paraunkh village of Uttar Pradesh with warmth and pride, and the events in the later years that made him a leader of courage, integrity and clear-minded optimism. He takes readers on a compelling journey—starting with his earliest political aspirations to his stint as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, followed by his term as the Governor of Bihar, and finally his election to the highest constitutional office of the land.

 

Kovind brings readers inside Rashtrapati Bhavan and offers a rare, behind-the-scenes view of the themes and crises that defined his five years in office. He reveals hitherto unknown dynamics of Indian politics and international diplomacy, and embarks on a fresh and fascinating exploration of the phenomenal reach of presidential power. From leading the nation during Covid-19 to handling the issue of President’s rule in Maharashtra, this richly detailed, deeply human narrative is full of insights.

 

‘Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles’ uncovers the storied life of a leader whose courage and compassion has left a lasting impression on the fabric of our nation.

 

 

My travels as president often took me to places where the spirit of India shone brightest, whether in the quiet determination of scientists, the creative abilities of divyang children or the inspirational lives of our Bharat Ratnas. As I entered my third year in office, each journey showcased a story of resilience, inspiration and the belief that, together, we shall overcome. 

 

Nothing captures this spirit better than my visit to Sriharikota to witness the launch of the high-profile Chandrayaan-2, India’s second moon mission, initially scheduled for 15 July 2019. I was only the third president to witness the lift-off of a rocket at Sriharikota, the first two being A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2005 and Pranab Mukherjee in 2013. I reached the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), along with my family members, by helicopter from Tirupati. I visited the assembly point, and saw the massive rocket, Bahubali, from up close. I then interacted with the team of scientists working round the clock to ensure the success of the mission. What impressed me the most was that there were as many women in the project team as men. It was the first time in India’s space history that an interplanetary mission was being led by two women: Muthayya Vanitha, the project director, and Ritu Karidhal, the mission director. A woman scientist told me she had left her six-month-old baby with her parents in Bengaluru. This clearly reflected her extraordinary commitment to the project. 

 

My family and I waited with bated breath for the mission to launch, and for the fascinating spectacle to unfold before our eyes. A sense of anticipation filled the air. We were told by senior scientists to rest in our room and that we would be called before 1.30 a.m., when the launch of Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled for. I was unable to sleep because it is not every day that one gets to see such rare scientific experiments reach fruition. 

 

Around 1 a.m., K. Sivan, the ISRO chairman, and Muthayya Vanitha, project director, came to inform me that the mission had to be aborted fifty-six minutes prior to lift-off due to a suspected helium leak in the upper stage engine. Understandably, they had disappointment writ large all over their faces. I consoled them and said it was a coincidence, not misfortune. Thankfully, India did not have to wait too long for its date with the moon. After the aborted first attempt, ISRO bounced back with flying colours and completed the launch successfully on 22 July. However, a few months later, ISRO’s plan to soft-land Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram lander on the lunar surface did not go as planned, with the lander losing communication with ground control during its final descent. On this occasion, I summed up my thoughts with the words of the song: ‘Hum honge kamyaab, mann mein hai vishwas, poora hai vishwas, hum honge kamyaab ek din’ (We shall overcome, we shall overcome, with belief in our hearts, we shall overcome one day). I was certain that K. Sivan and his team would eventually succeed in their endeavours. I am of the opinion they will be India’s role model in the field of space for many years to come. 

 

Role models come in all forms, like the divyang children who enthralled audiences with their extraordinary performances at the cultural event, ‘Divya Kala Shakti: Witnessing Ability in Disability’, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library Building. This event in July was attended by Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot, MPs from the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, and several ambassadors, high commissioners, senior government officials, personalities from different fields, educators, school principals and various disability advocacy groups.

 

My engagement with the cause of empowering specially-abled children continued closer home when, on the festive occasion of Diwali, I visited the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities in Delhi. I spoke about the need to serve the specially-abled which is the greatest service to society as they are creations of God. I complimented the valuable role of the institute and its faculty members in providing proper treatment to the children and patients. On the occasion, the children were presented with aids and assistive devices.

 

From celebrating the indomitable spirit of children to meeting one of India’s most iconic playback singers who has sweetened our lives with her soulful melody, my journey took a unique turn. It all began when veteran singer and Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar had been hospitalized. I had spoken to her over the phone and expressed my willingness to meet her. In August that year, it was time to fulfil that promise. I dropped in at her Mumbai residence and conveyed my best wishes for her good health. I was accompanied by Savita and our daughter, Swati, Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao and his wife, Vinoda, and Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde. I was in the city to inaugurate the underground Bunker Museum at the Raj Bhavan. Lata ji presented a sari to my wife and daughter. She also gave me an angavastram. Despite her frail health, she conversed animatedly with me on various subjects. I mentioned that I enjoyed listening to her songs from the ‘Carvaan’ playlist. Lata ji expressed her wish to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, mentioning that she hadn’t been there for a long time. In response, I offered to take her to Rashtrapati Bhavan, assuring her that she would be well looked after. I will never forget this meeting with Lata ji, who remained modest and humble till her end. 

 

During this visit, I was very keen to also meet the other living Bharat Ratna, Sachin Tendulkar. But the cricketing legend couldn’t make it owing to prior engagements. On my next visit to Mumbai, however, Sachin and his family more than made up for it—meeting me over breakfast at the Raj Bhavan.