Anant Kumar /The Public World
Pune : National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval was conferred the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a ceremony held in Pune.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Doval expressed gratitude and reflected on his deep personal connection with Pune, recalling memories from his childhood that shaped his early years and introduced him to the legacy of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Sharing his recollections, Doval said he first came to Pune nearly 76 years ago when his father, who served in the Indian Army, was posted in the city.
“I share a small connection with Pune. About 76 years ago, I came to this city when my father was posted here with the Army. Perhaps very few people in this hall today would have been in Pune before that time. When I arrived, I began my schooling here. I stayed in Pune for about a year to a year and a half before my father was transferred to the Army Headquarters in Delhi,” he said.
Although much of that period has faded from memory, Doval said two experiences have remained with him throughout his life.
The first was his visits every Tuesday to the Chaturshringi Temple with his mother.
“Every Tuesday my mother would take me to the Chaturshringi Temple. There, a thick, sweet traditional bread would be offered to the goddess along with other offerings. After returning home, we would eat the prasad, which I enjoyed very much. My mother had deep faith in the temple,” he recalled.
His second enduring memory was from his school in Pune, where students attended a morning assembly featuring motivational talks by senior teachers.
He said one of his Hindi teachers, an accomplished speaker, delivered an inspiring lecture on the life and contributions of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, which became Doval’s first introduction to the iconic freedom fighter and nationalist leader.
“During the assembly, a senior teacher would speak for 10 to 15 minutes on morality, the lives of great personalities, the duties of students and other inspiring subjects. One of our Hindi teachers delivered a lecture on the life of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. That was my first introduction to Lokmanya Tilak, when I was around five years old. It later sparked my interest in learning more about him and his life in Pune,” Doval said.
Reflecting on receiving an award instituted in Tilak’s memory, the National Security Adviser described it as a deeply emotional and humbling moment.
“I could never have imagined that, 76 years later, I would return to the same city to receive an award instituted in his memory. It is truly my good fortune,” he said.
The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation in various fields. The honour recognises the enduring legacy of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of India’s foremost freedom fighters, social reformers, and nationalist leaders.