Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced his new book ‘Apnapan’, chronicling his 35-year-long association and experiences with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Shri Chouhan described the book as a deeply personal account of his close association with the Prime Minister through decades of organisational work, public service, governance and nation-building. The book will be formally launched on May 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi, in the presence of former Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister  Shri H. D. Deve Gowda.

Speaking about the book, Shri Chouhan said ‘Apnapan’ offers readers an opportunity to understand PM Modi’s personality, leadership style, sensitivity and work ethic from a closer and more personal perspective.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the book gives expression to the experiences, emotions, inspirations and values he imbibed while working alongside Narendra Modi over the course of his long public life. He noted that his association with the Prime Minister spans more than three and a half decades, beginning with the 1991 Ekta Yatra. What started as a relationship between organisational workers gradually evolved through various responsibilities, including his tenure as Chief Minister and later as a Union Minister. While the world sees Shri Narendra Modi as a decisive and influential leader, he has personally witnessed in him the qualities of a seeker, a Karmayogi and a personality completely dedicated to national interest. He remarked that despite working late into the night, Prime Minister Modi continues to approach every new day with the same energy, clarity and commitment towards the nation.

Recalling the Ekta Yatra, Shri Chouhan said that while some viewed it as a political campaign at the time, Shri Narendra Modi transformed it into a movement of national consciousness. According to him, Shri Modi’s vision extended beyond hoisting the tricolour at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk; it was about inspiring a spirit of patriotism, pride and dedication among the youth of the country.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said it was during that phase that he realised leadership is not built through speeches alone, but through discipline, sacrifice, commitment and a deep sense of belonging towards people. He added that these experiences eventually became the inspiration behind the book.

Highlighting PM Modi’s organisational capabilities, Chouhan said his ability to expand the organisation, devise electoral strategies, take ideas to the grassroots and connect with workers has remained one of his defining strengths. As Chief Minister, he also witnessed how complex and long-pending issues could be resolved through dialogue, clarity and determination.

The Union Minister further said that Prime Minister Modi’s personality is as sensitive as it is resolute. Recalling an incident from the Ekta Yatra, he said that when several dedicated workers could not reach Lal Chowk during the flag-hoisting due to security reasons, Narendra Modi deeply empathised with their disappointment. According to Shri Chouhan, that moment reflected the Prime Minister’s emotional depth and his genuine connection with party workers.

He said leadership is often associated only with organisational toughness, but Shri Narendra Modi possesses deep compassion for workers, the poor, farmers, mothers, sisters and those standing at the last mile. Shri Chouhan added that this humane perspective is what makes the Prime Minister’s leadership both distinctive and far-reaching. PM Modi recognised the importance of technology much before many political leaders and workers had begun taking it seriously. He noted that the country later witnessed how technology was effectively integrated into governance, transparency, public participation and service delivery.

Referring to the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chouhan said that even at a time of widespread uncertainty and anxiety across the country, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi displayed patience, composure and foresight in decision-making. He added that crises reveal the true character of leadership, and during that difficult phase, the Prime Minister provided both direction and confidence to the nation.

Clarifying the essence of the book, Shri Chouhan said ‘Apnapan’ is not merely a narration of events, but a document reflecting an idea, a vision, a method of working and a spirit of nation-building that dared to transform India. He said readers will find in the book an intimate glimpse of the journey from organisation to governance, from sensitivity to decision-making, and from resolve to accomplishment.

Expressing confidence in the book’s impact, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said ‘Apnapan’ would especially inspire young people. According to him, the book conveys the message that transforming a nation does not require a high position, but rather a great resolve, discipline, a spirit of service and a heartfelt connection with the people.

He added that through ‘Apnapan’, he is sharing some of his personal experiences with society so that people can better understand Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s personality from close quarters. The book, he said, would also serve as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the process of social and political transformation in India.

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RC/MS