"Freedom Is Not Doing Whatever You Want': Ajit Doval's Message To Gen-Z In Pune"

"NSA Doval To Youth: Think About Nation's Interest, Not Just Personal Freedom"

THE REPORT.

PUNE:National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday urged Gen-Z to look beyond personal choices and focus on the nation's interest, saying "Freedom does not mean doing whatever one wants."Doval was speaking at a special event in Pune, Maharashtra, organised to mark the death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

DOVAL HONOURED WITH LOKMANYA TILAK AWARD:

At the event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah honoured NSA Ajit Doval with the 'Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026'.The award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation in line with Lokmanya Tilak's ideals of patriotism, courage and social reform.

DOVAL'S MESSAGE TO YOUTH:

After receiving the honour, Doval addressed the gathering and shared his views on *freedom, national interest, and nation-building.

Speaking directly to the youth, he said:

"Freedom does not mean doing whatever one wants. The youth should think about the nation's interest."

He stressed that true freedom comes with responsibility and that the younger generation has a key role in building a strong and self-reliant India.Doval also reflected on Tilak's legacy of "Swaraj is my birthright" and linked it to modern challenges of national security, unity, and civic duty.

The ceremony was attended by senior leaders, students, and citizens. It was held as part of commemorations for Lokmanya Tilak, who played a pivotal role in India's freedom movement and emphasised education, self-rule, and social awakening.

The event aimed to inspire youth to connect Tilak's ideals of discipline and service to contemporary nation-building.