Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently released his latest book, Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav, at a high profile event in New Delhi. The book was formally launched by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, highlighting its significance in the Indian political landscape. It chronicles Chouhan’s three-decade-long personal and professional journey alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offering intimate insights into the leadership and discipline that define the PM’s tenure.
A 35-Year Journey of Shared Vision
The book, titled Apnapan (meaning a sense of belonging or warmth), captures the 35-year association between Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Narendra Modi. It traces their collective path from being dedicated grassroots workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to serving as Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, respectively, and later as colleagues in the Union Government.
A significant portion of the narrative is dedicated to the 1991 Ekta Yatra, led by Murli Manohar Joshi and coordinated by Narendra Modi. Chouhan, who was a young participant in the yatra, describes the movement as a pivotal moment that transformed national consciousness. He highlights how the discipline and strategic planning seen during the march to hoist the Tricolour at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, served as an early indicator of Modi’s future leadership.
Themes and Personal Anecdotes
Chouhan uses personal anecdotes to illustrate the Prime Minister’s forward-looking approach and attention to detail. For instance, the book mentions how Narendra Modi introduced the culture of using email for internal party communication in the early days, well before digital tools became commonplace in Indian politics. This emphasis on technology and efficiency has remained a hallmark of his governance model.
The core philosophy of the book revolves around the principles of Seva (Service), Antyodaya (serving the last person), and Nation First. Chouhan notes that many welfare schemes implemented during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh were inspired by Modi’s initiatives in Gujarat. One such example is the Kanya Kelavani drive in Gujarat, which influenced the design of women empowerment programs in Madhya Pradesh.
A Milestone Event in New Delhi
The launch event was held at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium within the NASC Complex in Pusa, New Delhi. The gathering saw a rare assembly of political veterans, including former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who shared their own reflections on the Prime Minister’s career.
Several other senior leaders were in attendance, including Union Ministers Manohar Lal, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Giriraj Singh, and C.R. Patil. The presence of state leaders like Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath further underscored the importance of the publication within the ruling party and the broader political sphere.
Profile of the Author and Publisher
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, often referred to as ‘Mama’ in his home state, served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for four terms, making him the longest-serving CM of the state. He currently holds the portfolios of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development in the Union Cabinet. Born in Jait village in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan has been a key figure in the BJP’s organizational structure for decades.
The book is published by Prabhat Prakashan Pvt Ltd, a leading Indian publishing house established in 1958 and headquartered in New Delhi. Founded by Shyam Sunder Agarwal, Prabhat Prakashan was the first Indian publisher to receive ISO certification for quality in Hindi book publishing. It has a long history of publishing works by eminent Indian leaders, including Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Key Takeaways
- The book Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav was authored by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and released in June 2026.
- It chronicles the 35-year association between Chouhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from their early party days to their roles in the Union Cabinet.
- The book highlights key historical events such as the 1991 Ekta Yatra and the Prime Minister’s early adoption of digital communication like email.
- It was formally launched by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in New Delhi.
- Prabhat Prakashan, founded in 1958 by Shyam Sunder Agarwal, is the publisher of the book.
- The work focuses on the principles of Seva, Antyodaya, and Nation First as the pillars of PM Modi’s governance philosophy.
