National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has exhorted the youth of India to understand Azadi (freedom) and that freedom is not about doing anything without responsibility but about serving the nation with discipline and purpose.
Speaking on the life and legacy of freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Doval said young people should learn from the struggles faced by India’s freedom movement instead of taking independence for granted.
At the conference, Doval said: “Youth should not misunderstand the true meaning of freedom (Azadi). They think freedom means to do anything. People had to be silent during those days, but Lokmanya Tilak broke the pattern and raised his voice.”
The sacrifices of freedom fighters who challenged British colonial rule despite heavy restrictions and repression were what he highlighted.
Doval said today’s generation enjoys freedoms that earlier generations fought hard to achieve. But freedom comes with responsibilities to society and the nation, he said. Democracy works only if citizens exercise their rights with discipline, accountability, and respect for the law.
Referring to Lokmanya Tilak's historic role in India’s independence movement, Doval said the nationalist leader inspired millions by fearlessly speaking out against colonial rule.
Tilak’s famous phrase “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” was a rallying cry for India’s freedom struggle and encouraged millions of Indians to speak up against injustice.
In the same spirit, the NSA also explained that an awareness of the historical context in which leaders like Tilak lived is key for young Indians. When the British ruled India, dissent was often punished with imprisonment, censorship, and harsh treatment.
Tilak had no such qualms in advocating for self-rule and national awakening and, as such, became a founding figure in the freedom movement in India.
Doval told us that the modern generation has access to opportunities, education, and freedom of expression that previous generations could only dream of.
So he told us that young people can put their energy into nation-building, innovation, and constructive social change instead of allowing themselves freedom to roam the streets.
His remarks come at a time when civic responsibility, constitutional values, and the potential of youth to shape India’s future are at the forefront of discussions.
“Youth must not misunderstand the true meaning of freedom (Azadi).
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) August 1, 2026
They think freedom means to do anything.
People had to be silent during those days but Lokmanya Tilak broke the pattern and raised voice.”
- NSA Ajit Doval as he emphasises on the importance of understanding… pic.twitter.com/dukOcDEEh7
Many teachers and officials in India have also stressed that young people must be taught about India’s freedom struggle and what the national leadership did to help achieve that as well.
The NSA ended by urging students and young professionals to learn about great leaders like Lokmanya Tilak, whose courage and patriotism still motivate generations. Learning history makes people feel the sense of freedom and inspires them to make a contribution to the country’s development, he said.
Doval's message is one that is very much a reminder: Freedom is about responsibility, courage, and service to society.
From the perspective of India’s freedom fighters, today’s youth can maintain democratic principles as well as build a stronger, more united country.
