National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday urged India's younger generation to look beyond the idea of freedom as unrestricted personal liberty and instead draw inspiration from Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's vision of national service and collective responsibility.

Addressing the gathering at the Lokmanya Tilak National Award ceremony in Pune, Doval said that understanding Tilak's legacy requires an appreciation of the harsh social and political conditions in which the freedom fighter lived. According to him, the sacrifices and hardships endured during that period are difficult for today's generation to fully comprehend.

He noted that Tilak's life was shaped by struggle and adversity, yet he emerged as one of the most influential leaders in India's freedom movement and played a crucial role in awakening national consciousness.

Calling upon young people to revisit Tilak's ideas, Doval said that every citizen, particularly the youth, should reflect on the values and nation-building spirit that guided the veteran leader's actions.

The NSA cautioned that many young people may mistakenly view freedom as the right to act without limitations. He stressed that independence carries responsibilities and should not be reduced to the ability to do whatever one wishes.

According to Doval, the current generation has grown up in circumstances vastly different from those experienced by freedom fighters, making it important to understand the struggles that shaped modern India.

His remarks come at a time when the country has witnessed large-scale student-led demonstrations over issues such as examination irregularities and governance. Recent protests related to alleged paper leaks drew thousands of students to the streets and triggered a wider political debate on accountability, dissent and democratic rights.

While protesters have argued that democracy includes the right to question those in power and demand transparency, senior government and security officials have repeatedly emphasised the importance of balancing individual freedoms with national interests and social stability.

Doval also appealed to young Indians to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the country's development, describing the present moment as a unique opportunity in India's history.

He urged the youth to place the nation's interests above personal ambitions and narrow considerations, saying that the current generation has the responsibility to contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous India.

Expressing confidence in the country's future, Doval said India is at a crucial juncture and that collective efforts could help create a new chapter in the nation's history.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented Doval with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune, praising his contribution to India's security architecture and drawing comparisons between his work and Lokmanya Tilak's unwavering commitment to the nation.