Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Pune, describing him as a dedicated servant of the nation whose contributions to India’s internal and external security would be remembered as a “golden chapter” in the history of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure.
The award ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol and several other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, HM Shah said the occasion coincided with the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, whom he described as a visionary leader, teacher, fearless journalist, profound thinker and Karmayogi. He recalled Lokmanya Tilak’s famous declaration, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,” and said it gave a new direction and meaning to India’s freedom movement.
The Home Minister said Lokmanya Tilak introduced the idea of cultural nationalism into the freedom struggle and connected the masses with the movement for Swaraj. He asserted that India has now embarked on the path of cultural nationalism envisioned by Lokmanya Tilak and that this course cannot be stopped.
HM Shah urged the youth to study Lokmanya Tilak’s life, speeches and writings and draw inspiration from them. He also said that Lokmanya Tilak had presented the practical essence of the Bhagavad Gita and built a comprehensive educational ecosystem in Pune through institutions such as the New English School, Deccan Education Society and Fergusson College.
Turning to the award recipient, HM Shah said the Lokmanya Tilak National Award was not merely a medal but a recognition of extraordinary national service and a source of inspiration for society. He said Doval’s life and work would motivate citizens across professions who dedicate themselves to the country.
Praising Doval’s career, HM Shah noted that he served in the Intelligence Bureau from 1972 until becoming its Director and played an active role in dealing with major security challenges in the Northeast, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Pakistan. He also highlighted Doval’s six-year posting in Pakistan during a critical period.
The Home Minister said Doval had laid the strong foundation of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), which has now become the backbone of India’s internal security architecture. He added that Doval is the country’s longest-serving National Security Advisor and has played a significant role in strengthening India’s national security apparatus under PM Modi.
HM Shah also referred to Doval’s association with the Gujarat Police during the investigation of the Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts, saying the coordinated effort helped solve not only the Ahmedabad case but also several bomb blast cases from across the country.
He further said that under the Narendra Modi government, India’s foreign policy has become stronger and the country’s global standing has risen with dignity and respect, with Doval making an important contribution to that achievement.
Shah said PM Modi has over the past 12 years brought about a transformative change in the modernization of the armed forces and the integration of technology with military capability, and Doval’s extensive experience has been instrumental in shaping many of those decisions.
Earlier in the day, the Home Minister also paid floral tributes to the statue of Annabhau Sathe on his birth anniversary.