National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said that freedom should not be misunderstood as the ability to do whatever one wants. He made the remarks in Pune after receiving the Lokmanya Tilak Award.
The award was presented to Doval by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a function held in Maharashtra. Speaking on the occasion, Doval urged every Indian—especially the youth—to reflect on Lokmanya Tilak’s words and his long-term vision for India.
Doval noted that many young people may assume India has always been as it is today, and may wrongly equate freedom with personal choice alone. He stressed that this is not the true meaning of freedom.
Recalling the freedom struggle, Doval said Tilak stood at the forefront of those who sacrificed their lives, fought, and led the movement. He added that Tilak emerged as a towering leader at a time when many were afraid even to raise their voice.
