A schoolboy in Uttar Pradesh once recalled facing caste discrimination over something as basic as drinking water.
That boy was Ram Nath Kovind, who decades later became India's 14th President.
His new autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, traces his journey from his childhood in a Dalit family to his career as a lawyer, parliamentarian, Governor of Bihar and eventually President of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the autobiography at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on 12 August, 2026, and urged young people to learn from Kovind's experiences.
So, how did Kovind's journey unfold?
A Dalit Childhood In Uttar Pradesh
Ram Nath Kovind was born on 1 October 1945 in Paraunkh village in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district, now Kanpur Dehat.
He came from a family of modest means. He attended school and college in Kanpur, studied commerce and then obtained his law degree from Kanpur University.
His new memoir also revisits his experience of caste discrimination as a school student.
Kovind writes that Dalit students at his primary school had to inform the teacher before drinking water. The teacher would then ask another student to give them water.
According to Hindustan Times, students from savarna families did not have to follow the same procedure.
This recollection forms an important part of Kovind's story, showing the social barriers he encountered during his childhood before entering law and public life.
From Education To Law
After completing his education, Kovind moved to Delhi and enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1971.
His legal career took him to the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court.
He served as Counsel for the Union Government in the Delhi High Court from 1977 to 1979.
In 1978, he became an Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court.
From 1980 to 1993, he served as Standing Counsel for the Union Government in the Supreme Court.
He also provided pro-bono legal aid to weaker sections, particularly women and the poor.
From Law To Politics
Kovind later moved from the courtroom into public life.
He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in April 1994.
He served two consecutive six-year terms until March 2006. During this period, he served on several parliamentary committees and gained experience in governance.
He also represented India at the United Nations General Assembly on 22 October, 2003, as a member of the Indian delegation.
His public work also extended to education. He served on the Board of Management of Dr. B R Ambedkar University, Lucknow, and the Board of Governors of IIM Kolkata.
The Bihar Chapter
The next major step came in 2015.
Kovind was appointed Governor of Bihar on 8 August, 2015.
During his tenure, he also served as Chancellor of state universities. His official profile records reforms involving technology and transparency in university administration, including the appointment of vice-chancellors.
In 2017, he was selected as the NDA's candidate for President.
From Raj Bhavan To Rashtrapati Bhavan
Kovind won the 2017 presidential election and took oath as India's 14th President on 25 July, 2017.
He served a five-year term until 25 July, 2022.
His journey had now crossed several stages: a village school, higher education, law, Parliament, Raj Bhavan and finally Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Why Kovind's Book Matters To Young Indians
Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles brings together Kovind's childhood, legal career, political journey and five years as President.
Kovind writes that his election as President “symbolized the greatness of our democracy.”
The book also covers One Nation, One Election, drawing on his committee's work. Constituted on 2 September 2023, it worked for 191 days, held 65 meetings and received responses from 47 of 62 political parties approached.
At the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged young people to learn from Kovind's experiences.
From a Dalit childhood, where he recalled discrimination over drinking water, to law, 12 years in the Rajya Sabha, Bihar Governor's post and the Presidency, the memoir brings his journey in public service together.
TL;DR | News At Glance
Who is Ram Nath Kovind?
He is a lawyer and politician who served as India's 14th President from 2017 to 2022.
Where was he born?
He was born in Paraunkh village, Uttar Pradesh, on 1 October, 1945.
What was his childhood like?
Kovind came from a Dalit family and recalls caste discrimination at school, including restrictions around drinking water.
What did he study?
He studied commerce and law at Kanpur University.
What did he do before politics?
He worked as a lawyer in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court.
When did he enter Parliament?
He became a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh in April 1994 and served two terms.
When did he become President?
He took oath as India's 14th President on 25 July, 2017, and served until 25 July, 2022.
What is his new book about?
Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles covers his personal journey, struggles, legal career, political experiences and time as President.
Why is the book in the news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released it at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on 12 August, 2026, and urged young people to learn from Kovind's life and experiences.
