Pune: Presenting Lokmanya Tilak Award, Amit Shah says Ajit Doval Deserves a ‘Golden Page’ in History

Pune, 1st August 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday presented the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, praising him as the architect behind several of India’s key national security decisions and describing his contribution to the country’s internal and external security as one that would earn “a golden page” in history.

The award, instituted by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust, was presented to Doval in recognition of his contribution to India’s national security at a ceremony held at the Maharashtriya Mandal ground in Gultekdi. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, Trust president Dr Rohit Tilak, Minister Chandrakant Patil and Uday Samant, Ravindra Chavan, BJP leaders and a large number of citizens attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said Doval has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s national security and foreign policy since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014.

“Ajit Doval has played a major role in strengthening India’s foreign policy. Every important national security decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had Doval’s advice and strategic inputs in the background,” Shah said.

He said that whenever India’s internal and external security history is written, Doval’s contribution would deserve a “golden page.”

Shah said one of Prime Minister Modi’s first decisions after taking office in 2014 was appointing Doval as National Security Advisor, a move that fundamentally transformed India’s strategic posture.

“Today, India’s foreign policy has a backbone of steel. Along with self-respect, India has strengthened its position in the world,” he said.

Highlighting Doval’s long career in the Intelligence Bureau, Shah said the veteran intelligence officer played a key role in translating the Modi government’s strategic vision into action. He credited Doval with contributing significantly to the modernisation of India’s armed forces, strengthening technological capabilities, enhancing operational preparedness and improving the country’s overall defence infrastructure.

Shah said the Modi government had transformed both the defensive and offensive capabilities of the armed forces over the past 12 years, with Doval playing an important role in the process. He added that much of Doval’s work would never become public because of the confidential nature of intelligence operations.

Recalling his tenure as Gujarat’s Home Minister, Shah narrated how he first interacted with Doval after the Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts. He said then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had advised the state police to seek Doval’s assistance during the investigation.

“I remember Ajit ji had come to my house. The guidance he provided enabled Gujarat Police to solve not only the Ahmedabad serial blasts but also crack investigations into 13 bomb blast cases across the country simultaneously. It was an extraordinary achievement,” Shah said.

Paying tribute to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Shah described him as one of the foremost leaders of India’s freedom movement. He urged young people to read Tilak’s Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Rahasya, saying its teachings continue to inspire generations. He also recalled that the British feared Tilak’s newspapers Kesari and Maratha, adding that Tilak’s writings remain relevant even today.

Congratulating the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust for selecting Doval for the honour, Shah described the NSA as “a true patriot” whose lifelong service has made an exceptional contribution to India’s national security.

The Home Minister on Saturday also visited the Annabhau Sathe Memorial in Pune and paid floral tributes to Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe on his birth anniversary, describing the legendary writer and social reformer as an enduring inspiration for his contributions to literature and social justice.

Paying homage to Sathe, Shah said the celebrated social reformer made invaluable contributions not only to public service but also to Marathi literature, earning the titles of Lokshahir (People’s Bard) and Sahityaratna (Jewel of Literature) from the people.

“He dedicated his life to social harmony and the upliftment of the oppressed. His life and work continue to inspire the entire nation,” he wrote on X.

Shah offered a floral wreath at Sathe’s statue during the commemorative programme held on the occasion of the social reformer’s birth anniversary.