NSA Ajit Doval was presented with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award on Saturday in Pune, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah appreciated his exemplary role in ensuring the internal and external security of the nation.
The death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who was one of the most significant freedom fighters and a nationalist leader of India, was celebrated with the award event.
During the event, Amit Shah said that Ajit Doval played a crucial role in boosting the security architecture in India and is a permanent name to be remembered in the country’s cherished history.
Doval has made “remarkable and future-proof” contributions to the protection of the Indian interests and nation’s security and foreign policy, made him ‘indispensable’ to this nation’s history, Shah added, adding that in any forthcoming history of the country there would have to be a ‘golden page’ dedicated entirely to Doval.
The Home Minister also rendered a tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, who was a visionary leader who had enriched the Indian Freedom Movement by fearless leadership and unflinching spirit for people to seek freedom.
Reminding people of Tilak’s famous slogan, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” Shah said the freedom fighter inspired millions of Indians by instilling the spirit of self-governance and nationalism in the Indians.
He said that he could not remember another name whom he addressed with such respect as the name of Tilak, he was a fearless journalist, teacher, thinker, Karma Yogi; and had left an indelible impact on India’s struggle for freedom.
The Lokmanya Tilak National Award (LTNA) is given to a person who has contributed to the nation in an outstanding way for excellence in public service, leadership and development of the nation. The honour was bestowed on Ajit Doval for various facets of his contributions to build India’s security framework & strategic interests over the years.