National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was conferred with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune on Saturday. The award, presented by the Tilak Smarak Trust, was handed over to Doval by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the felicitation ceremony, Doval delivered a powerful address, calling upon the youth of the country to place national interest above all else. He emphasized that the younger generation must contribute to nation-building by rising above personal gains and narrow interests.
A Call to the Youth of India
In his speech following the award presentation, Ajit Doval made a passionate appeal to the youth, while he stated that the youth should be completely dedicated to the interests of the nation. He urged them to take a solemn pledge to work solely for the welfare of the country. Doval highlighted that individuals must be prepared to sacrifice small personal interests for the greater good of the nation. He further added that even if such personal interests arise, they should be ignored in favor of national duty. According to the National Security Advisor, the youth of India must move forward with a deep sense of duty and a spirit of service to the nation.
India's Priority: Nation Building
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval remarked that India is currently passing through a very significant phase in its history. He noted that the country is facing an opportunity that can't be missed at any cost. He asserted that at this moment, India's primary priority must be nation-building, while doval expressed his firm confidence that the country will succeed in achieving its goals and will write a new chapter in its history. He urged every citizen to consider the resolution of a developed India as their personal responsibility to ensure its realization.
Remembering the Legacy of Lokmanya Tilak
While remembering Lokmanya Tilak, Doval stated that he wasn't just a freedom fighter but also a profound social reformer and philosopher. He mentioned a poignant incident from Tilak's life during the plague outbreak in Pune. He recounted how Tilak didn't leave Pune even when his 21 year old son died due to the plague. Instead, he stayed back and continued to work among the people. Doval accepted the honor named after Lokmanya Tilak with great humility, stating that this award is a matter of immense pride and honor for him. He described Tilak's personality as a wonderful confluence of bravery, courage, patriotism, social reform, and deep thinking.
Key Highlights of Ajit Doval's Address
During his speech, Ajit Doval greeted all the present guests and expressed his gratitude to the Union Home Minister, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, and the organizers. He described Pune as the workplace of Lokmanya Tilak and a land of heroes and social reformers. He emphasized that India's independence wasn't merely the result of a single movement but the fruit of the sacrifices made by numerous revolutionaries and freedom fighters. He called upon the youth to understand Tilak's thoughts, struggles, and vision for nation-building. He noted that Tilak fearlessly raised his voice against the British and awakened the consciousness of Swaraj in the country. Tilak's famous mantra, "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it," remains an inspiration even today. Doval also made a special mention of Tilak's reflections and writings on the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Sharing his childhood memories of Pune, he mentioned that he first drew inspiration from Lokmanya Tilak's life during his school days. He expressed that receiving an award in the name of Lokmanya Tilak in the same city of Pune after many years is a matter of great fortune for him. He concluded by stating that the protection of freedom and the construction of a developed India is the duty of every citizen today.