Ajit Doval Honoured With Lokmanya Tilak Award, Shah Hails Role

Shah Credits Doval For Security Decisions

During a function in Pune when he presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to Doval, Shah asserted that Doval's advice and strategic thinking have been invaluable in bolstering India’s security framework and defence capabilities. Shah added that Doval’s contributions to internal and external security had been so monumental that history would dedicate a golden chapter to him.

"NSA Ajit Doval has played a great role in strengthening India's foreign policy. In every decision of PM Modi for national security, Doval has had a 'role and advice' in the background," Shah said.

"Whenever history is written, if anyone analyses 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," he added.

Doval Urges Youth To Balance Freedom

In an address to Indian youth, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval advised against viewing freedom as the ability to do anything you want, remarks that come at a time of serious national debate over recent student protests surrounding the NEET paper leak controversy. Doval stated that the young Indians should recall the sacrifices made during the struggle for freedom and remember that liberty entails duties towards society and the country.

Commenting on the nationwide protests mainly organized by students and young people, Doval emphasized the need for democratic liberties to be coupled with a sense of national responsibility. He encouraged the younger generation to be motivated by Tilak's life and legacy in the formation of the nation's collective consciousness.

Doval Recalls Pune Days, Accepts Award Humbly

Upon receiving the honor, Doval expressed humility in accepting it and reminisced about his early days in Pune as a student. He said that his first encounter with Tilak's philosophies was through school lectures and that he never anticipated he would receive an award in his honor.

According to Doval, Tilak exhibited incredible courage during a time when speaking out against British rule was incredibly risky. He added that if Tilak were alive now, he might say that building a strong and developed India is the nation's top duty. 

Award Recognises Security Contributions

The Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust bestows the award upon individuals for their notable contributions to the nation. Earlier, Trust president Rohit Tilak declared Doval was selected this year for bolstering India's national security.

Doval, the longest-serving NSA in the nation, has been instrumental in defining India's security strategy, participating in several major initiatives such as Operation Sindoor, the Balakot air strike, and the surgical strikes.