Ajit Doval urges youth to learn from history, rebuild a strong India

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday said India has to strengthen itself not just at the borders, but in every other way, including economically, to "avenge" a painful history of attacks and subjugation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue hin New Delhi, Doval invoked the struggles and sacrifices of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh to drive home his point. "You are lucky that you were born in an independent India. I was born in a colonised India. Our ancestors fought for independence and went through so many trials and tribulations," the 81-year-old former Intelligence Bureau director told the gathering of 3,000 young delegates from across the country.  If you are powerful, you will remain free, he said.

VIDEO | Delhi: NSA Ajit Doval at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue says, “All the struggles and wars going on around the world are because some countries want to impose their own will on others and are using all their power for it. But if you are powerful, you will remain… pic.twitter.com/qyfTTRht4m

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He praised India's leadership for guiding the country toward rapid progress over the past decade through strong commitment, hard work, and dedication. Daoval said,“Ours was a developed civilisation. We never destroyed anyone’s temples, looted others, or attacked foreign countries. But we failed to understand the dangers we faced and remained apathetic, and that is why we were taught a lesson. The question is, will we remember that lesson? If the coming generations forget it, it will be unfortunate for the country.”