'Freedom Is Not Liberty To Do Anything': Ajit Doval's Message To India's Youth Days After CJP Protest

Last Updated:August 01, 2026, 18:58 IST

NSA Ajit Doval urged youth to view freedom as responsibility, not just personal choice, at the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 ceremony.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday called on India’s youth to view freedom as a responsibility rather than just the ability to act without restrictions. Speaking at the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 ceremony in Pune, he urged young people to embrace the ideals of nation-building championed by freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

According to Doval, understanding Tilak’s legacy requires looking at the harsh realities of the period in which he lived. He said today’s generation has grown up in a free India and may find it difficult to imagine the hardships, oppression and limitations that leaders of the freedom movement had to endure.

He said Tilak’s vision for the country continues to remain relevant and encouraged young Indians to study his ideas and draw inspiration from his commitment to the nation.

“To truly understand Lokmanya Tilak’s life and the depth of his character, one must grasp the context of that era, the constraints and the wretched conditions of the time, realities that perhaps we, and especially the youth, struggle to fully imagine," he said.

Doval also cautioned against equating freedom with unrestricted personal choice. He said many youngsters may take the liberties they enjoy today for granted without recognising the sacrifices that made them possible. In his view, freedom carries duties and responsibilities towards the country, not just individual rights.

Appealing to the youth to play a greater role in India’s development, Doval said the country is passing through a crucial phase in its history. He urged them to place national interest above personal ambitions and make a collective effort towards building a stronger India, describing the present as a rare opportunity that should not be wasted.

His remarks come at a time when the country has witnessed large student-led protests over issues such as alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak. While protesters have argued that democratic freedoms include the right to demand accountability and transparency, Doval stressed the importance of using freedom with a sense of responsibility and keeping nation-building at the centre of public life.

At the event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to Doval. Shah praised the NSA’s contribution to India’s security and said his commitment to safeguarding the nation reflected the fearless spirit associated with Lokmanya Tilak.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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