Kovind book launch: Modi tells youth to read autobiographies, not reels

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged young people to read autobiographies of people they admire, saying that in the "era of reels", social media influencers could take them down certain paths, but a "shortcut will cut you short". Speaking at the launch of.

Highlighting Kovind's continuing public engagement, Modi said the former president had not rested after demitting office and was working on the "One Nation, One Election" initiative, which could "open a new chapter in Indian democracy". Kovind's efforts on the issue were part of his.

What Happened

The prime minister appealed to the youth to read autobiographies as they offer an opportunity to understand a particular period through the life of someone who experienced it. Social media influencers often pull you in and take you down certain paths.

• Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and several Union ministers attended the event.

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who was present at the book launch, described Kovind as a "living sketch" of determination and lauded him for strengthening India's diplomatic relations.

• Kovind said he associated himself with the BJP because the party, in his view, placed the nation above the considerations of dynasty or community.

Key Details

In this age of shortcuts, let us remember a message often displayed at railway stations: A shortcut will cut you short. This is written because some people have a habit of jumping onto the tracks instead of using the railway bridge.

• Recalling former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's determination to uplift the "last person in the line", he said his interactions with Modi, whose vision and ability to connect with ordinary workers, had also left.

• Kovind said crores of poor families had got a roof over their heads under government housing schemes, allowing them to live with dignity.

• I come from a village in Kanpur Dehat of Uttar Pradesh.

Why It Matters

Modi's remarks came as the government and the BJP have stepped up efforts to engage with Gen Z on social media. Last month, in the aftermath of the NEET protests, Modi had asked his ministerial colleagues to actively use Instagram and post.

• Speaking at the event, Kovind recalled hardships in his childhood and the values he imbibed from his surroundings.

• Recalling his interactions with Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Modi said the former president would have conversations with him that normally were not permitted under protocol and would personally see him off to his car.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Business Standard as more details emerge