Lokmanya Tilak's ideals continue to guide the nation; Ajit Doval's service to the country is truly inspirational: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Xtreme News India   01-08-2026 16:25:50   568024031

Lokmanya Tilak's ideals continue to guide the nation; Ajit Doval's service to the country is truly inspirational: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Honouring Ajit Doval is a tribute to national service, nationalism, and dedication: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Pune (Special Correspondent): Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak laid a strong foundation for nationalism, education, journalism, and social awakening, giving a new direction to India's freedom movement. Tilak's iconic declaration, "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it," continues to inspire every Indian and serves as a guiding principle for building a developed and strong India.

Shah was speaking after presenting the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during a ceremony held on the occasion of the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak. The event was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, National Security Advisor and award recipient Ajit Doval, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, 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 dignitaries.

Amit Shah said that Lokmanya Tilak transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement by popularising the public Ganesh festival and Shiv Jayanti celebrations, instilling the spirit of cultural nationalism among the people. Through his newspapers Kesari and The Mahratta, Tilak set a benchmark for fearless journalism, while his emphasis on national education helped shape patriotic citizens.

Praising Ajit Doval's contribution, Shah said that Doval has played a vital role in strengthening India's internal and external security. Having successfully carried out several challenging intelligence operations, he has set an exemplary standard of service to the nation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Doval has played a key role in making India's security architecture stronger, more modern, and more decisive, while providing valuable guidance in implementing strategic national security policies. Shah added that Doval is a deserving recipient of the Lokmanya Tilak National Award and expressed confidence that his work would inspire the country's youth to dedicate themselves to national service.

Honouring Ajit Doval is a tribute to national service, nationalism, and dedication: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that selecting Ajit Doval for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award is a recognition of his lifelong commitment to national service, nationalism, and dedication. Since becoming National Security Advisor in 2014, Doval has given a new dimension to India's security strategy. His concept of "Proactive Deterrence" has made India's security policy more effective. Fadnavis observed that India is no longer a nation that merely endures attacks but has become a strong country capable of delivering firm responses whenever necessary.

He further said that after the Revolt of 1857, Lokmanya Tilak rekindled the spirit of freedom among Indians and gave a new direction to nationalism, earning him the title of the father of Indian nationalism. During British rule, Tilak transformed the mindset of Indians by instilling patriotism and united society through public Ganesh festivals and Shiv Jayanti celebrations, strengthening national unity. Fadnavis said that it is only fitting that a person who has dedicated his life to the nation should receive an award named after Lokmanya Tilak, adding that Ajit Doval truly embodies that tradition.

Youth should contribute to building a developed India with dedication, sacrifice, and a sense of duty: Ajit Doval

Accepting the award, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that Lokmanya Tilak's work in promoting nationalism, freedom, social awakening, and intellectual enlightenment remains as relevant and inspiring today as ever. Describing the award as one of the greatest honours of his life, he called upon citizens to follow Tilak's ideals in building a developed, self-reliant, and powerful India.

Doval said that India's freedom was not easily won but was achieved through the sacrifices and martyrdom of countless freedom fighters. He emphasised that Tilak's message, "Swaraj is my birthright," should now evolve into a national resolve for a developed India. He urged every citizen to place the nation's interests above all else and contribute to nation-building. He also encouraged young people to study Lokmanya Tilak's thoughts and his work Gita Rahasya, and to participate in building a developed India with dedication, sacrifice, and a strong sense of duty.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Lokmanya Tilak's vision of Swaraj is reflected today in India's strengthened national security. He described Ajit Doval's contribution to safeguarding the country's borders, internal security, and intelligence network as unparalleled, adding that the award honours not only Doval but also every individual serving the nation's security forces and institutions.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar said that the Lokmanya Tilak National Award has a distinguished legacy of recognising patriotism, courage, vision, and dedication to duty. She noted that conferring the award on Ajit Doval is not merely an honour for an individual but also a tribute to India's national security.

She further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has established a distinct identity on the global stage. The contributions of Home Minister Amit Shah and Ajit Doval have significantly strengthened India's internal security, border management, and counter-terrorism capabilities. She also praised Doval's exemplary leadership in the Indian Police Service, intelligence agencies, and as National Security Advisor, saying his service to the nation is an inspiration for all.

Dr. Rohit Tilak delivered the introductory address, stating that the Lokmanya Tilak National Award, instituted in 1986, honours distinguished individuals from political, social, economic, and other fields for their exceptional contributions. He said that Ajit Doval has been selected for this year's award in recognition of his invaluable contribution to safeguarding the nation's security.