PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings to Former President Ram Nath Kovind

In a post on X, Modi said Kovind's years in public life had been marked by a strong commitment to India's development, constitutional values and the welfare of citizens.

"Warm birthday greetings to former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji. His long years in public life have been marked by a steadfast commitment to the development of India, the values enshrined in our Constitution and the welfare of the people," the Prime Minister said.

"He has served the nation with passion and simplicity, due to which he is respected by people across all walks of life. May he be blessed with wonderful health, happiness and a long life," Modi added.

Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, in Paraunkh village in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur Dehat district. He joined the BJP in 1991 and later served as the party's Dalit Morcha chief from 1998 to 2002. He also served as president of the All-India Koli Samaj.

Kovind contested the Ghatampur Assembly constituency after joining the BJP but was unsuccessful. He later contested the Bhognipur Assembly seat in the 2007 elections on a BJP ticket and again lost.

In April 1994, Kovind was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He served two consecutive terms in the Upper House, completing a total of 12 years in Parliament until March 2006.

He went on to serve as Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017 before being elected President of India. He served as the country's 14th President from 2017 to 2022.

Kovind was the first person from Uttar Pradesh and the first BJP leader to hold the office of President of India.

Last month, Modi released Kovind's autobiography, *Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles*. The book chronicles his early life, personal experiences, challenges and public career, while also reflecting on the values and circumstances that shaped his journey in public service.