Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and praised his contribution to India's national security. Speaking at the award ceremony in Pune, Shah said Doval has played a major role in strengthening both the country's internal and external security. He also said Doval has remained an important advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on matters related to national security since the government came to power in 2014.

During his address, Shah revealed that Doval was the first senior official appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after taking office in 2014. He said the appointment came even before the selection of the Principal Secretary. Shah described this decision as a reflection of the importance PM Modi placed on national security from the very beginning of his tenure.

Praising Doval's contribution, Shah said the National Security Advisor has played a significant role in every major decision related to the country's security. He highlighted Doval's guidance and strategic inputs over the years and said his work has remained an important part of the government's approach to national security.

Referring to Doval's role, Shah said, "In every decision of PM Modi for national security, Ajit Doval has had a 'role and advice' in the background…Whenever the history of PM Modi’s tenure is written, and whenever an analysis of internal and external security is undertaken, a ‘golden page’ will undoubtedly have to be reserved for Ajit Doval.”

Shah also spoke about India's changing position in global affairs. He said the country now follows a foreign policy that reflects confidence and strength. He added that no one can deny this transformation and credited the leadership and strategic planning behind it.

The Home Minister also shared a personal experience from his time as Gujarat's Home Minister. He recalled that Gujarat witnessed a series of bomb blasts during that period. Then Chief Minister Narendra Modi asked him to meet Ajit Doval for guidance. Shah said he had never met Doval before that interaction.

According to Shah, PM Modi instructed the Gujarat Police not to limit its investigation to a single incident. Instead, he asked the police to study the larger network involved in bomb blasts across the country. Shah said Doval's advice proved highly valuable during the investigation. The information and strategic inputs he provided helped investigators identify wider links connected to terrorist activities.

Shah said the Gujarat Police later solved not only the Ahmedabad bomb blast case but also 13 bomb blast cases linked to different parts of the country. He presented this achievement as an example of Doval's experience and his contribution to strengthening India's security system.

While addressing the gathering, Shah also spoke about Maharashtra's historical contribution to the nation. He said it was from this land that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gave the call for 'Swaraj'. He noted that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak later inspired millions by taking the idea of Swaraj to the people during the freedom movement.

Shah said Tilak introduced the idea of cultural nationalism into India's struggle for independence. He described it as an important contribution that shaped the country's national identity. Speaking about this vision, Shah said, “He transformed the concept of nationalism into cultural nationalism… Today, the nation has indeed embarked upon the path of cultural nationalism. There is no turning back now. The country will continue to move forward along this very path.”

The Home Minister also paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak and highlighted his contributions to society. He described Tilak as an inspiring teacher who strongly supported national education. Shah also praised him as a fearless journalist whose writings in Kesari reflected courage and commitment to the nation. He added that Tilak was a great thinker who presented India's true spirit before the world through his ideas and writings.

The Lokmanya Tilak National Award honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. This year's award recognised Ajit Doval for his long and distinguished service in strengthening India's internal and external security framework. Over the years, Doval has played an important role in shaping the country's security policies and strategic planning.

The ceremony brought together political leaders and dignitaries who acknowledged Doval's contribution to national service. Shah used the occasion to underline the importance of strong leadership and strategic decision-making in protecting the country's interests. He said Doval's work has remained closely linked with many important security decisions taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. He also expressed confidence that Doval's contribution would continue to be remembered as an important chapter in India's national security history.