National Security Advisor Ajit Doval delivered a powerful address to the youth of India, framing the nation's journey to development as a mission to "avenge" its painful history of subjugation and attacks. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi, the NSA urged the young generation to channel historical lessons into building a country that is strong in every dimension.
Drawing Strength from a Painful Past
Addressing a gathering of approximately 3,000 young leaders, Doval, 81, drew a stark contrast between his generation and the present. "You are lucky that you were born in an independent India. I was born in a colonised India," he stated. He invoked the immense sacrifices of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh, who faced trials, tribulations, and execution for the cause of independence.
"Revenge is not a good word, but it can be a huge force," Doval asserted. "We have to avenge our history and take this country to the point where it is great again, not just in terms of border security, but economy, social development, every aspect." He linked this call to the ongoing Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which celebrates India's civilizational resilience against historical invasions.
The Imperative of Security and Decisive Leadership
Doval pointed out that India's historical vulnerabilities stemmed from a lack of security awareness. "We were a progressive society. We did not attack other civilisations or their temples, but since we were not self-aware when it came to security, history taught us a lesson," he remarked, stressing that the youth must never forget this lesson.
Commenting on global conflicts, the NSA said wars often arise from one nation's desire to impose its will on another. "Even today, look at all the wars and conflicts that are happening; some countries want to impose their will on others, and for that, they are using force," he observed, underlining the necessity for India to protect itself.
He emphasized the critical role of leadership, quoting Napoleon Bonaparte: "'I am not afraid of 1,000 lions led by a sheep, but I am afraid of 1,000 sheep led by a lion'. That is how important leadership is." Doval urged the youth to hone their decision-making skills, calling them the future leaders of a nation on track to become developed at the pace set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Focus on Silent Achievement and Innovation
Moving beyond security, Doval advised the young audience to focus on substantive performance over propaganda. "No message is more powerful than performance. Innovate and achieve silently. Propaganda cannot deliver the message; only what you do gets it across," he said.
He encouraged a strong focus on innovation in technology and science as pillars of a developed nation. Concluding with a piece of wisdom, he added, "Remember that all courageous people are patient, all cowards are impatient and noisy." The dialogue sets the stage for engaging India's youth in the ambitious national goal of a fully developed, or 'Viksit', Bharat.
