Amit Shah presents Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to NSA Ajit Doval in Pune

Pune: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval was conferred the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune on Saturday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah describing him as one of the key architects of India’s modern national security framework and crediting him for helping shape the country’s strong foreign and internal security policies.The award was presented by Shah at the annual function organised by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust on the 106th death anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, BJP Maharashtra president Ravindra Chavan and several other dignitaries attended the ceremony. #AjitDoval received the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in #Pune for his decades-long contribution to India's national security, intelligence and counter-terrorism. The honour was presented by Union Home Minister #AmitShah at the annual ceremony. #LokmanyaTilakAward pic.twitter.com/ogO60xmpoV— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) August 1, 2026 Accepting the award, Doval said he was humbled by the honour and paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, calling him one of the greatest architects of India’s freedom movement. He said Tilak inspired generations to fight for self-rule at a time when very few had the courage to raise their voices against British rule.Doval said Tilak’s vision remained relevant even today and urged people to think about the kind of India the freedom fighter had imagined. Referring to present-day challenges, he said India faces threats from both within and outside the country and stressed that national security must always remain the nation’s highest priority.“In our line of work, we classify what is vital, essential and desirable. National security is vital. Everything else becomes secondary when the country’s security is at stake,” Doval said. FLASH | Union Home Minister #AmitShah paid floral tribute to Lokshahir Dr Anna Bhau Sathe at his full-length statue in #Pune Sarasbaug. #Maharashtra CM #DevendraFadnavis, Dy CMs #EknathShinde & #SunetraPawar, Union MoS #MuralidharMohol and other leaders were present. pic.twitter.com/WWBIoBiEtc— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) August 1, 2026 He also recalled his childhood memories of Pune, saying he had lived in the city for nearly one-and-a-half years after his father was posted here. He said his first introduction to Lokmanya Tilak came through a school teacher in Pune when he was only five years old.Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Doval said he had personally witnessed their commitment towards the nation. “Our role is limited, but what they have done and continue to do will take India much further,” he said.In his address, Amit Shah said Lokmanya Tilak transformed India’s freedom movement by giving it the slogan, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.” He said Tilak combined political awakening with cultural nationalism through public Ganeshotsav and Shiv Jayanti celebrations and laid the foundation for India’s future.Shah also paid tributes to Anna Bhau Sathe on his birth anniversary and urged young people to read Tilak’s Gita Rahasya, saying its teachings remain relevant even today.Speaking about Doval, Shah said he had known the NSA since his days as Gujarat’s home minister. He recalled consulting Doval after serial bomb blasts in Gujarat and said the advice provided by him helped investigators solve multiple terror cases. WATCH | Hundreds of #BJP workers staged a counter-protest during Union Home Minister #AmitShah's #Pune visit, hailing him as "Prakhar Deshbhakt" and "Naxalvadiche Kardankal" while countering the #Congress demonstration. Heavy police deployment was in place. pic.twitter.com/i2rk9fY076— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) August 1, 2026 Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first major appointment after taking office in 2014 was naming Doval as National Security Adviser. He said Doval played a major role in strengthening India’s internal security architecture, improving the country’s foreign policy and implementing key national security decisions.“Whenever the history of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure is written, Ajit Doval’s contribution will always be remembered,” Shah said, adding that Doval had helped build a strong security framework for the country.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the occasion as a rare moment where “one Chanakya of national security” was being honoured by “the Chanakya of national politics”. He said Doval had transformed India’s security doctrine by promoting proactive deterrence and helping build a stronger national security strategy after becoming NSA in 2014. WATCH | #PunePolice took #ShivSenaUBT leader Vasant More into preventive custody ahead of Union Home Minister #AmitShah's visit to #Pune. More had announced a protest, while security was tightened amid Congress and BJP demonstrations. pic.twitter.com/8t6SpGNxTy— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) August 1, 2026 Fadnavis said India was no longer a country that merely tolerated attacks but one capable of responding decisively. He also praised Doval’s humility despite his decades of service.Earlier, Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust president Rohit Tilak said the award honours individuals who have brought pride to the nation. He said Doval had spent his life working silently to protect India without seeking recognition. Rohit Tilak also drew parallels between Lokmanya Tilak’s secret network during the freedom struggle and the importance of intelligence operations in safeguarding the country today.Amit Shah To Present Prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 To NSA Ajit Doval In Pune For Exceptional Contribution To India's National Security Pune: Congress workers staged a protest at City Pride Chowk as Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 ceremony. Heavy police deployment ensured law and order amid BJP's planned counter-protest. #Pune #AmitShah #Congress #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/V0eAE7pVWa— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) August 1, 2026 Protests mark Shah’s Pune visitUnion Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit also witnessed political protests across Pune. Congress workers staged a demonstration near City Pride Chowk, raising slogans against the BJP-led Centre and holding placards demanding accountability over the Delhi Police’s alleged action against students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar.Pune City Congress (East) president Prashant Jagtap said the protest was directed at Shah in his capacity as Union home minister and not against the Lokmanya Tilak National Award or its recipient Ajit Doval. He also alleged that several Congress workers had been detained before the protest.Meanwhile, BJP workers organised a counter-demonstration at Seven Loves Chowk, praising Shah’s leadership and highlighting his role in decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370, anti-Naxal operations and criminal law reforms. Heavy police security was deployed across the city to prevent any law-and-order issues.Amit Shah To Present Prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 To NSA Ajit Doval In Pune For Exceptional Contribution To India's National Security Why Doval was chosen?The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is presented every year on August 1 by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation.Doval was selected for the 2026 award for his decades-long contribution to national security, intelligence operations, counter-terrorism efforts and strategic policymaking. A former Indian Police Service officer, he has served as National Security Adviser since 2014, making him the country’s longest-serving NSA. He has played a key role in shaping India’s national security strategy and advising the government on major security and foreign policy decisions.(With Inputs From Ankit Shukla)

According to the Tilak Smarak Trust, Mr. Doval has been selected for the prestigious award for his significant contribution to national security

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval received the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award, an honour presented annually by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. The award, named after freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, recognises excellence in public service, leadership and national development. The award will be presented on August 1 in Pune on the occasion of the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak.Addressing the ceremony to confer the ‘Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026’ on National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval Ji in Pune, Maharashtra. https://t.co/Tbz83j7VK7— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 1, 2026 Award presentation detailsNSA Ajit Doval, who is known for dedication, discipline and the way of conducting national security operations, received the Lokmanya Tilak Award on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The award was presented in Pune, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar was present at the award ceremony. The award, which was given on Lokmanya Gangadhar Tilak's punyatithi (death anniversary), comprises a memento, a citation and a cash prize of one lakh rupees.अजित डोभाल यांना लोकमान्य टिळक पुरस्काराने सन्मानित करण्यात आले. अमित शाह यांच्या हस्ते हा पुरस्कार देण्यात आला. मागच्या वर्षी नरेंद्र मोदींना जाहीर झाला होता.#पुणे pic.twitter.com/lvcFAQGCLu— Omkar Wable (@omkarasks) August 1, 2026 First police officer to receive Kirti Chakra Ajit Doval, a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre, is widely regarded as one of India's most experienced security strategists. He served in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for several decades, where he handled numerous sensitive operations related to national security, counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering. Doval became the first police officer to receive India's second-highest peacetime gallantry medal for exceptional operational fieldwork in high-conflict zones.Ajit Doval Since becoming India's National Security Advisor in 2014, Doval has played a key role in shaping the country's security policies. He has been associated with several major strategic decisions, including strengthening India's counter-terrorism framework, improving border security and enhancing intelligence coordination among various agencies.VIDEO | Pune, Maharashtra: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presents Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to NSA Ajit Doval.#AmitShah #AjitDoval(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/ARvX6i2bN0— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 1, 2026 Role in national securityDoval is also known for his involvement in high-profile security operations. He played an important role during the rescue of Indian nationals from conflict zones abroad and has been linked to India's response to cross-border terrorism. His strategic approach has contributed to India's evolving national security doctrine in recent years.Key contributions of Ajit DovalNSA Ajit Doval played a crucial role in Operation Black Thunder in 1988. Doval disguised himself as a local insider or rickshaw puller to blend seamlessly into the surroundings and gather vital intelligence on the armed militants inside the Golden Temple. He moved through the temple complex to locate the exact sniper nests, weapons caches and militants' numbers. Doval provided precise ground feedback to security forces and commandos, enabling a swift and accurate assault that minimised damage to the holy site.May 1988, Operation Black Thunder IIThe spectacular success of Op BT in Amritsar cleared the Golden Temple complex of terrorists. It also gave the Govt a golden opportunity to take fresh initiatives on the festering crisis in PBMilitants killed: 41Surrendered: 200+…— Woke Punjabi (@SGPCAmritsar__) July 8, 2026 Doklam resolutionDoklam is one of the most sensitive geographical locations, located between Tibet's Chumbi Valley to the north, Bhutan's Ha Valley to the east and India's Sikkim state to the west. The significant location acts as a tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan. India has signed a Friendship Treaty with Bhutan (renewed in 2007), which drove India to intervene for the goodwill of Bhutan, among many other provisions. The conflict took place when China started constructing a road in the disputed area of Doklam. Bhutan then asked for help from India in 2017, and it sent the army to stop the construction. The military standoff in the area lasted more than two months. However, after diplomatic conversations between the two sides, both countries agreed to withdraw troops from the region.Role in Doklam standoffDuring the conflict, Doval served as India's key interlocutor. The NSA met with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi in Beijing during a meeting to talk about easing the border tension. He made it clear that India would not move its troops away while China built a disputed road. He clearly explained that the area belonged to Bhutan and India was only helping its neighbouring country to prevent China from building a road. His strategy paved the way for both nations to pull back their soldiers and end the standoff after 73 days.Amit Shah To Present Prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 To NSA Ajit Doval In Pune For Exceptional Contribution To India's National SecurityRole in Balakot air strikeThe Balakot air strike was a cross-border military operation conducted by the Indian Air Force in 2019 with the aim of targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp. Doval was the mastermind behind the strategic planning of the operation. He also handled backchannel and international communication, including discussions with US National Security Advisor John Bolton to justify the action as pre-emptive self-defence.

Union home minister Amit Shah presented the award at a ceremony held on the 106th death anniversary of freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The event took place at the Kataria High School ground in Mukundnagar and was attended by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with several senior political leaders and dignitaries.

New Delhi: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval will be conferred with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 at a ceremony in Pune on Saturday, coinciding with the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Pune, Maharashtra: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrives in Pune to attend the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 ceremony, where National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will be conferred with the prestigious honour this year pic.twitter.com/3SXWPHnIv2— IANS (@ians_india) July 31, 2026 The announcement was made by Dr Rohit Tilak, President of the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust, at a press conference. The award recognises Doval’s exceptional contribution to strengthening India’s national security, counter-terrorism operations, covert missions and border security.Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the award to Ajit Doval at the ceremony, which will be held at the Maharashtra Mandal Ground in Pune’s Gultekdi area. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, and several other dignitaries are expected to attend the event.NSA Ajit Doval Meets Saudi FM, Discusses Energy Security and Maritime Corridors Ahead of the ceremony, Home Minister Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister arrived in Pune to participate in the prestigious award function. Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements across the venue and surrounding areas to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.The Lokmanya Tilak National Award comprises a memento, a citation and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. It is presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation in their respective fields.'Closely Monitoring The Situation': India Responds To US Bill Proposing 100% Tariffs On Russian Oil | Video Ajit Doval has been selected for this year’s honour in recognition of his distinguished service in safeguarding India’s national interests. During his long career in intelligence and national security, he has played a pivotal role in several landmark operations and strategic initiatives, including Operation Black Thunder, the Doklam diplomatic negotiations, and the Balakot air strike.An Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1968 batch from the Kerala cadre, Doval served in India’s intelligence establishment for more than three decades before heading the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Over the course of his career, he worked in several sensitive regions, including Mizoram, Sikkim, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir, and also served in Indian missions in Islamabad and London.Pakistani Gangster Uzair Baloch's Brother Zubair Baloch Shot By 'Unknown Men,' Critically Injured In Karachi's Lyari - VIDEO Currently 81 years old, Doval is India’s longest-serving National Security Adviser and continues to hold the position. Widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost strategic and security experts, he has been closely associated with shaping India’s national security architecture and policy over the past decade.The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is among the country’s distinguished civilian honours and commemorates the legacy of freedom fighter and nationalist leader Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)