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🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

Amit Shah confers Lokmanya Tilak National Award upon NSA Ajit Doval, calls him ‘fearless’

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Pune.
  • Shah drew parallels between Lokmanya Tilak's nationalist vision and Doval's contributions to India's security framework.
  • The award ceremony coincided with the 106th death anniversary of Tilak.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with the prestigious 'Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026' in Pune, drawing a strong connection between the "fearless" nationalist spirit of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the modern security architecture spearheaded by Doval.

Whenever history is written, if anyone analyzes internal security and external security, then clearly, for Ajit Doval ji, a golden page will have to be kept reserved; there is no doubt about this.

— Amit ShahUnion Home Minister Amit Shah's praise for NSA Ajit Doval's contributions to national security.

During the ceremony, held on the 106th death anniversary of Tilak, Shah lauded Doval's significant contributions to India's internal and external security, asserting that these achievements have secured him a permanent place in the nation's history. "Whenever history is written, if anyone analyzes internal security and external security, then clearly, for Ajit Doval ji, a golden page will have to be kept reserved; there is no doubt about this," Shah stated.

Shah began his address by paying homage to Tilak, whom he described as a transformative figure in the freedom struggle. He quoted Tilak's famous declaration, "Swaraj is my birthright," emphasizing that true self-rule cannot be granted but must be achieved by the people. Shah highlighted Tilak's role as a teacher, advocate of national education, and a "fiery journalist" whose writings in 'Kesari' exemplified fearlessness. He also credited Tilak with fostering "cultural nationalism" through the initiation of the Ganapati and Shivaji festivals.

Swaraj is my birthright.

— Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar TilakTilak's famous proclamation during India's freedom struggle, invoked by Amit Shah.

Drawing a direct parallel to Doval's operational prowess, Shah recalled an incident from his time as Home Minister of Gujarat. He mentioned seeking Doval's expertise following serial bomb blasts, noting that Doval's advice was instrumental in helping the Gujarat Police solve not only the Ahmedabad blast but also other incidents across the country.

How fearless a journalist can be can only be experienced by reading the articles of Kesari.

— Amit ShahShah's reference to Tilak's fearless journalism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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