Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday announced the release of his new book, Apnapan, which chronicles his 35-year-long association and experiences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The book is scheduled to be formally launched on May 26 at the NASC Complex in Pusa, New Delhi, in the presence of former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chouhan described the book as a deeply personal account of his journey alongside PM Modi through decades of organisational work, governance, public service and nation-building.
He said “Apnapan” offers readers a closer understanding of PM Modi’s leadership style, personality, sensitivity and commitment to the nation.
The Minister said the book reflects the experiences, emotions and lessons he gathered while working with PM Modi over more than three decades in public life. He said their association began during the 1991 Ekta Yatra and evolved over the years through organisational responsibilities, governance roles and ministerial assignments.
Recalling the Ekta Yatra, Chouhan said that while many viewed it as a political campaign, PM Modi transformed it into a movement aimed at awakening national consciousness and patriotism among the youth.
He said it was during that period that he realised leadership is built not merely through speeches, but through discipline, sacrifice, commitment and a deep sense of belonging towards people.
“While the world sees PM Modi as a decisive and influential leader, I have personally witnessed in him the qualities of a seeker, a karmayogi and a personality completely dedicated to national interest,” Chouhan said.
Highlighting PM Modi’s organisational abilities, he said his strength lies in expanding the organisation, creating effective electoral strategies, taking ideas to the grassroots and maintaining a close connection with party workers.
Chouhan also shared anecdotes reflecting PM Modi’s emotional sensitivity towards workers and ordinary citizens. Recalling an incident during the Ekta Yatra, he said PM Modi empathised deeply with party workers who could not reach Srinagar’s Lal Chowk for the flag-hoisting ceremony due to security restrictions.
Chouhan said this humane aspect of PM Modi’s personality distinguishes his leadership and reflects his concern for workers, farmers, women, the poor and people at the grassroots level.
The Minister further said PM Modi recognised the importance of technology much before many political leaders and later integrated it effectively into governance, transparency, public participation and service delivery.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chouhan said the crisis revealed PM Modi’s leadership qualities, patience and foresight at a time of uncertainty across the country.
He clarified that “Apnapan” is not merely a collection of political events, but a reflection of an idea, a working style and a vision of nation-building aimed at transforming India.
The book, he said, provides insights into organisational strategy, governance, policy-making and decision implementation at both the state and central levels.
Chouhan expressed confidence that the book would particularly inspire young readers by conveying that national transformation requires determination, discipline, service and a strong connection with people rather than merely holding high office.
He added that the book would also serve as a useful resource for those seeking to understand India’s social and political transformation through the lens of leadership and governance.
