Ajit Doval honoured with Lokmanya Tilak National Award; Amit Shah lauds NSA’s role in strengthening security

National Security Adviser NSA Ajit Doval was conferred the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award at a ceremony held in Pune on the occasion of the 106th death anniversary of freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar TilakPresenting the award Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Tilakrsquos ideals of nationalism education fearless journalism and social awakening continue to inspire every Indian and remain relevant in the journey towards building a developed and strong IndiaThe ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister CM Devendra Fadnavis Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal former minister Ravindra Chavan Tilak Smarak Trust President Dr Rohit Tilak Dr Geetali Tilak Dr Praniti Tilak and several other dignitarieslsquoSwaraj remains a timeless inspirationrsquoAddressing the gathering Shah recalled Tilakrsquos historic declaration ldquoSwaraj is my birthright and I shall have itrdquo He said the slogan had ignited the freedom movement and continues to inspire generations even todayThe Union Home Minister noted that Tilak transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement through public Ganeshotsav and Shiv Jayanti celebrations thereby strengthening the spirit of cultural nationalism Through his newspapers Kesari and The Maratha Tilak established a model of fearless journalism while his efforts in national education helped shape patriotic citizens Shah addedHome Minister praises Dovalrsquos security leadershipPraising Dovalrsquos contribution Shah said the NSA has played a crucial role in strengthening Indiarsquos internal and external security architecture He highlighted Dovalrsquos success in handling several challenging intelligence operations and said his guidance has been invaluable in implementing key strategic decisions related to national security under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra ModiShah said Indiarsquos security system has become more modern decisive and capable of responding firmly to threats and described Doval as a fitting choice for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award He expressed confidence that Dovalrsquos life and work would inspire the countryrsquos youth to dedicate themselves to national servicelsquoHonour to nationalism and dedicationrsquoFadnavis said Dovalrsquos selection for the award was a tribute to nationalism national service and unwavering dedication He stated that after becoming the NSA in 2014 Doval has given new dimensions to Indiarsquos security doctrineReferring to Dovalrsquos concept of ldquoproactive deterrencerdquo Fadnavis said India is no longer a nation that merely endures attacks but has emerged as a strong and confident country capable of giving a decisive response when requiredThe CM also described Lokmanya Tilak as the ldquoFather of Indian Nationalismrdquo stating that he awakened the spirit of freedom in Indian society after 1857 and used public festivals to foster national unity and collective consciousnessDoval calls upon youth to study Tilak and GeetarahasyaAfter accepting the award Doval said it was one of the greatest honours of his life He described Tilakrsquos work in the fields of nationalism freedom social reform and intellectual awakening as ldquoeternally inspirationalrdquoThe NSA stated that freedom was not a gift obtained easily but the result of the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters He urged citizens to reinterpret Tilakrsquos message of Swaraj in the context of building a developed selfreliant and powerful IndiaDoval also appealed to every citizen to place national interest above all else and contribute actively to nationbuildingAddressing young people he encouraged them to study Lokmanya Tilakrsquos writings and Geetarahasya and participate in the creation of a developed India with dedication sacrifice and a sense of dutyLeaders hail Dovalrsquos contributionShinde said Tilakrsquos idea of Swaraj is reflected today in the strengthening of Indiarsquos national security framework He described Dovalrsquos contribution to border security internal security and intelligence coordination as unparalleled and said the honour represented a tribute to Indiarsquos security forces and all those devoted to national servicePawar stated that the Lokmanya Tilak National Award carries a proud tradition of recognising patriotism courage vision and commitment to duty She said the honour bestowed on Doval was not merely a recognition of an individual but a recognition of Indiarsquos national security establishment itselfShe added that under Prime Minister Modirsquos leadership India has acquired a distinct global identity and that the contributions of Shah and Doval have significantly strengthened the countryrsquos internal security border management and antiterror mechanismsAward instituted in 1986In his introductory remarks Dr Rohit Tilak said the Lokmanya Tilak National Award instituted in 1986 is presented to distinguished individuals from fields such as politics social service economics and public life for their exceptional contribution to the nationHe stated that Doval was chosen for the honour in recognition of his outstanding and invaluable contribution to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of India