Ajit Doval Conferred Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026; Amit Shah Hails NSA’s Role in Strengthening India’s Security
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
Pune, August 1: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was honoured with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 at a ceremony held in Pune, where Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah praised his decades-long contribution to India’s national security architecture and strategic decision-making.
The award was presented in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, Sunetra Pawar, and several distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah described the recognition of Ajit Doval as a tribute not only to an individual but also to the spirit of national service. He said the award would inspire citizens across professions to dedicate themselves to the country’s progress and security.
Tribute to Lokmanya Tilak
The ceremony coincided with the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the foremost leaders of India’s freedom movement. Shah recalled Tilak’s iconic declaration, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,” describing it as a defining moment that transformed India’s struggle for independence.
He said Tilak introduced the concept of cultural nationalism, combining patriotism with India’s civilisational heritage, education, language and social awakening. According to Shah, modern India is now moving forward on the path envisioned by Tilak, where national identity and cultural values form an integral part of nation-building.
The Home Minister urged young Indians to study Tilak’s life, speeches and writings, saying they continue to offer valuable lessons in leadership, discipline, self-reliance and public service. He also highlighted Tilak’s interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita, calling it a practical guide for life and responsible citizenship.
Salute to a National Security Strategist
Highlighting Ajit Doval’s distinguished career, Shah noted that the veteran intelligence officer has devoted over five decades to safeguarding the country’s interests. From his early years in the Intelligence Bureau to becoming India’s longest-serving National Security Advisor, Doval has played a pivotal role in addressing several of the nation’s most critical security challenges.
He referred to Doval’s operational experience in the Northeast, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim and Pakistan, describing his contributions as exceptional and difficult to measure.
Strengthening India’s Security Framework
Shah credited Doval with laying the foundation of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), which today functions as one of the country’s key intelligence coordination platforms. He said the Modi government further strengthened the MAC after 2019, making it a central pillar of India’s internal security framework.
The Home Minister also highlighted Doval’s role in modernising India’s national security system under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including integrating advanced technology with military capabilities, enhancing strategic preparedness, and strengthening both internal and external security mechanisms.
According to Shah, Doval’s expertise has significantly contributed to several important national security decisions taken during the past decade.
Gujarat Investigation Recalled
Recalling an earlier phase of cooperation between Narendra Modi and Ajit Doval, Shah said that during Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Doval worked closely with the Gujarat Police following the Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts. The coordinated investigation eventually helped solve not only the Ahmedabad case but also several other bomb blast investigations across the country.
“A Golden Chapter in India’s Security History”
Amit Shah stated that whenever the history of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure is written, Ajit Doval’s contribution to strengthening India’s internal and external security would occupy a “golden chapter.” He also credited Doval with helping India strengthen its global strategic standing and foreign policy during the past decade.
Tribute to Annabhau Sathe
Earlier in the day, the Union Home Minister paid floral tributes to the statue of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe on the occasion of his birth anniversary, honouring the celebrated social reformer, writer and people’s poet for his enduring contribution to Indian society.
The Lokmanya Tilak National Award ceremony served as both a tribute to one of India’s greatest freedom fighters and a recognition of the continuing importance of national security, public service and leadership in shaping the country’s future.
