PM Modi Urges Youth to Read Autobiographies, Says ‘Shortcut Will Cut You Short’

New Delhi, Aug 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged young people to read autobiographies and learn from the struggles of others, saying that in the “era of reels”, they should remember that “shortcut will cut you short”.

Speaking at the launch of former president Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, Modi said Kovind’s life demonstrated how determination could help overcome adversity and rise to the highest constitutional office.

He said Kovind had continued contributing to public life after demitting office and was working on the “One Nation, One Election” initiative, which, he said, could “open a new chapter in Indian democracy”.

Modi said autobiographies provide an opportunity to understand a particular period through the life and experiences of someone who lived through it. “Today is the era of reels; social media influencers draw you somewhere. But in this age too, remember what’s written in railway stations: Shortcut will cut you short,” he said.

The prime minister said Kovind’s autobiography would become a “heritage for Indian democracy” and provide inspiration to the younger generation. He urged youth to develop determination to overcome challenges rather than being defeated by circumstances.

Modi recalled that Kovind lost his mother in a fire during childhood when she tried to save household belongings, saying the tragedy strengthened rather than broke him. He also highlighted the role played by Kovind’s father in instilling values in him.

Kovind, recalling his childhood in Kanpur Dehat, said he learnt compassion and love from villagers and remembered how rainwater used to leak through his family home’s roof.

He said crores of poor families had received houses under government housing schemes, giving them an opportunity to live with dignity.

Kovind also recalled former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s commitment to uplifting the “last person in the line” and praised Modi’s ability to connect with ordinary workers.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and several Union ministers attended the launch. (Agencies)