'Short cut will cut you short': PM Modi’s message to youth as he recalls Ram Nath Kovind’s life journey
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged young Indians to stay away from shortcuts in life, saying that quick fixes and easy routes may ultimately work against them.
Speaking at the launch of former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, PM Modi said the younger generation should not allow social media trends and influencers to shape their choices without thought.
“Reels ka zamaana hai… influencers aapko kaheen kaa kaheen le jaatey hain.. aapne dekha hoga railway stations par likha rehta hai un logo n me liye joh jaldi mein bridge se nahi patri se jaatey hain… Short cut will cut you short,” the Prime Minister said.
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PM Modi cited Kovind’s life as an example of how determination, hard work and resilience can help a person overcome difficult circumstances. He recalled that Kovind lost his mother at a very young age and was raised by his father. Despite facing hardships early in life, Kovind went on to become the President of India. “Kovind ji considers his father his hero by rising to occupy the highest office in the country,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said the journey of the former President showed that people should not allow difficult circumstances to decide their future.
PM Modi also spoke about Kovind’s humility, recalling his interactions with him during Kovind’s tenure as President. “When I would call on Kovind ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he would always walk me to my car, breaking protocols. I used to tell him not to do this, but he never lost sight of his humility,” Modi said.
He added that success should not make a person distant from others and stressed that greater achievements should be accompanied by greater humility.
The Prime Minister said India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat would depend heavily on the efforts of its young population. He said the country needs young people who are prepared to face challenges rather than those who are discouraged by difficulties.
Modi also recalled the contributions and vision of Mahatma Gandhi, B. Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, among other social reformers, who dreamed of creating an India where even the poorest and most disadvantaged people could get opportunities to progress.
“Personalities like Kovind ji did not just transform their own lives through their labour and ability... they also played a role in realising that centuries-old dream, that vision,” the Prime Minister said.
The autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, traces Kovind’s life, struggles and public service, offering an account of his journey from a difficult childhood to the highest constitutional office in the country.
- With inputs from agencies
