National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was honored with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday said freedom should not be mistaken for the liberty to do whatever one wishes, urging the younger generation to understand that India’s independence was won after a long and hard struggle.
Speaking at an event in Pune in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Doval said today’s youth must recognise the true meaning of freedom and place national interest above personal ambitions.
“Youth may think freedom means the right to do anything according to their own wishes, but that is not its true meaning,” Doval said. “We must explain to them that the country’s freedom was achieved after a long struggle and has a rich history behind it.”
He called on young people to dedicate themselves fully to the nation and work only in the national interest. Doval said they should be willing to sacrifice narrow personal interests and ignore such thoughts if they arise.
Expressing confidence in India’s future, the NSA said the country would succeed in its mission and write a new chapter in history. He also said India was fortunate to have leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Doval expressed concern over misuse of powers
Home Minister Amit Shah gave the award to Ajit Doval
Amit Shah says Doval’s appointment changed India’s strategic approach
Addressing the gathering, Home Minister Amit Shah said one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first major decisions after assuming office in 2014 was appointing Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor.
According to Shah, the decision transformed India’s strategic outlook and strengthened its national security architecture.
He said India’s foreign policy today reflects “steel-like strength” and that the country has secured a stronger position on the global stage while maintaining self-respect.
Bhagwat advocates dialogue with Gen Z
The remarks come days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged people to engage with the younger generation through dialogue rather than instructions.
Speaking at an event in Delhi on July 25, Bhagwat said today’s youth ask many questions and should be told the reasoning behind decisions instead of being expected to obey without explanation.
“We should not give orders. We should have conversations with them. Only through dialogue can they be shown the right direction,” Bhagwat said, adding that power should not be used to impose one’s will on others.
His comments came amid nationwide student protests over the paper leak issue, with demonstrations being held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Who are Gen Z?
Generation Z, or Gen Z, includes people born between 1997 and 2012. Having grown up in the digital era, the generation is known for its familiarity with smartphones, social media, instant access to information and online networking. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is often associated with expressing its views through creative, visual and digital forms of communication rather than traditional methods.
