National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, renowned for his extensive career in national security, is set to receive the esteemed Lokmanya Tilak Award. The Tilak Smarak Trust announced the honor, acknowledging Doval's profound impact on India's security landscape. The award ceremony will take place on August 1 in Pune, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the accolade.
The event, scheduled at the Maharashtriya Mandal ground in Gultekdi, Pune, is expected to draw prominent figures. Among the anticipated attendees are Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
Ajit Doval's Distinguished Career in National Security
Ajit Doval stands as one of India's longest-serving and most influential security officials, with a career spanning decades dedicated to sensitive national security assignments. His service includes crucial roles in conflict-prone regions such as Mizoram, Punjab, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir. Doval also held diplomatic postings at Indian missions in Islamabad and London, enriching his experience in international relations and security.
As India's longest-serving National Security Advisor, Doval has been instrumental in shaping the country's strategic responses. He also served as India's Special Representative for the India-China boundary talks. A notable achievement attributed to Doval is his pivotal role in the diplomatic efforts that successfully resolved the 2017 Doklam standoff between India and China, underscoring his expertise in high-stakes negotiations and conflict resolution.
About the Lokmanya Tilak Award
The Lokmanya Tilak Award, established in 1983 by the Tilak Smarak Trust, is conferred annually on August 1, commemorating the death anniversary of the revered freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak. This prestigious honor celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation's progress and development.
The inaugural recipient of the award was socialist leader S.M. Joshi. Over the years, the Lokmanya Tilak Award has recognized a distinguished list of national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2023), former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, and Indira Gandhi, former President Pranab Mukherjee, and veteran politician Sharad Pawar. In 2025, the award was presented to Nitin Gadkari, further cementing its legacy of honoring significant national service.