Ram Nath Kovind
Ram Nath Kovind – Life, Career, and Reflections
A detailed biography of Ram Nath Kovind: his journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to becoming the 14th President of India, his legal and political career, his philosophy, notable moments, and his legacy.
Introduction
Ram Nath Kovind (born October 1, 1945) is an Indian lawyer and politician best known for serving as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022. Before his presidency, he held roles such as Governor of Bihar and Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Coming from a modest background, Kovind is one of India’s public figures often associated with themes of social justice, inclusive representation, and constitutional dignity.
Early Life and Family
Ram Nath Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, in Paraunkh (Paraunkh / Paraukh) village in Kanpur Dehat district, in the then United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).
He was born into a Kori family (a Dalit community). Maikulal, worked as a farmer and ran a small grocery shop, and his mother, Kalawati, was a homemaker.
Kovind’s early years were challenging. The family’s dwelling was a mud hut, which reportedly collapsed at one point.
These humble beginnings—and the challenges associated with rural, underprivileged life—influenced his later commitment to the upliftment of marginalized communities.
Education & Early Legal Career
Kovind pursued his higher education at DAV College, Kanpur, which was affiliated with Kanpur University. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree and then a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree.
After his legal studies, he moved to Delhi and enrolled as a lawyer in 1971 with the Bar Council of Delhi. Delhi High Court and Supreme Court of India.
Between 1977 and 1979, he served as Central Government Advocate in the Delhi High Court. Government of India in the Supreme Court.
He also offered pro bono legal aid to the poor, women, and disadvantaged persons under the Free Legal Aid Society in Delhi.
This background gave him years of experience in law, understanding constitutional matters, and exposure to the functioning of India’s legal and administrative system.
Entry into Politics & Parliamentary Service
Kovind formally entered active politics in 1991 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In 1994, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of India's Parliament) from Uttar Pradesh. He served two consecutive terms (1994–2000 and 2000–2006).
During his tenure as a parliamentarian, he was a member of several committees, including those concerned with Home Affairs, Social Justice, Law & Justice, Petroleum & Gas, and Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Governor of Bihar
On August 8, 2015, Kovind was appointed Governor of Bihar.
His governorship was not without controversy: the timing of his appointment (just ahead of assembly elections) drew criticism from Bihar’s Chief Minister at the time, Nitish Kumar, because the appointment was made without consulting the state government as per standard norms.
While Governor, he instituted a judicial commission to investigate allegations of irregularities in teacher promotions, fund misuse, and university appointments.
He resigned from the governorship in June 2017 to contest the presidential election.
Presidency (2017–2022)
Election & Inauguration
Kovind was nominated as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for President in 2017. 65.65% of the valid votes, defeating the opposition candidate Meira Kumar.
He formally assumed the presidency on July 25, 2017, succeeding Pranab Mukherjee.
Activities & Legacy
-
As President, Kovind represented India on many international state visits, accepting foreign honors and fostering diplomatic engagement.
-
He oversaw India’s constitutional duties, including assent to bills passed by Parliament, appointment of key judicial figures, and presiding over high-level ceremonies.
-
His presidency coincided with notable events like the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he maintained symbolic leadership and constitutional continuity.
-
He also became the first person with RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) roots to hold the Indian presidency.
His term ended on July 25, 2022, and he was succeeded by Droupadi Murmu.
Political Perspective, Challenges & Controversies
Kovind’s rise was sometimes viewed strategically by the BJP, as a way to extend the party’s appeal among Dalit communities.
A controversial statement from 2010 is sometimes attributed to Kovind: that “Islam and Christianity are alien to the nation,” in the context of discussions on reservations for minorities.
Because his role as President is largely ceremonial under India’s parliamentary system, much of his influence lay in symbolic, moral, and diplomatic domains rather than executive policy making.
Personality, Influence & Legacy
Ram Nath Kovind is often regarded as quiet, dignified, modest, and respectful of the constitutional office. His personal journey—from humble origins, legal practice, to the presidency—gives his story motivational appeal.
His presidency is likely to be remembered for its symbolic importance: for representing a member of a historically marginalized community, for upholding the dignity of the office during turbulent times, and for reinforcing constitutional continuity.
Meanwhile, post-presidency, he has remained engaged in public and national matters. For example, in 2023, he was appointed to lead a high-level committee on “One Nation, One Election”, tasked with proposing constitutional and legal changes to synchronize elections across India.
Notable Quotes & Reflections
Though Kovind is not especially known for sweeping rhetorical statements, some of his remarks reflect his views and values:
-
On social equality and dignity:
“We must strengthen the institutions that uphold justice, liberty, and equality for all.”
(This kind of sentiment appears in his public addresses.) -
On education and marginalized communities:
“Quality education is the greatest equalizer in society.” -
On constitutional duty:
“The President is entrusted with safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring that democracy thrives, even in challenging times.”
Because his role as president is nonpartisan by design, his public remarks typically emphasize national unity, constitutional values, and the dignity of office rather than partisan politics.
Lessons from Ram Nath Kovind’s Life
-
Origins do not determine destiny
Kovind’s trajectory from rural Uttar Pradesh and modest beginnings to the highest constitutional post in India demonstrates that perseverance, education, and service can reshape life paths. -
Representation matters
As a Dalit leader in a country where caste remains a sensitive issue, his presidency holds symbolic power and inspires aspirations among marginalized communities. -
The power of the ceremonial role
While Presidents in parliamentary democracies often have limited executive power, they can use symbolism, constitutional guardianship, and moral authority to influence public discourse. -
Patience, dignity, restraint
Kovind’s style is a reminder that political actors can command respect by avoiding bombast and maintaining a solemnity appropriate to high office. -
Bridging legal and political worlds
His background as a lawyer gave him grounding in constitutional norms, which he carried into his political and ceremonial roles—showing the value of technical knowledge in statesmanship.
Conclusion
Ram Nath Kovind occupies a distinctive place in India’s recent political history. His life story—from humble beginnings to the presidency—resonates with themes of aspiration, dignity, and constitutional service. Though his powers as President were limited, his tenure underscored the importance of representation, institutional integrity, and symbolic leadership in a plural, democratic society.