Ajit Doval with President Droupadi Murmu
NEW DELHI: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has said that after “a long time, we are seeing a new awakening in India”, where national security is no longer the exclusive domain of uniformed personnel but the collective responsibility of every citizen.“National security is the responsibility of the entire country, and not just of the armed forces, police or intelligence. This is our collective strength. Together, our collective strength builds national morale,” he said while addressing students at the fifth convocation of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.“National security is a vast, complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It comprises numerous components: a nation’s military might, technological prowess, natural resources, diplomatic strength and human capital,” Doval said. Where errors most frequently occur when assessing comprehensive national power is in evaluation of a nation’s willpower and inherent strength of its people, he said after receiving an honorary doctorate from President Droupadi Murmu.Citing global examples, NSA said, “If Russia (erstwhile USSR) withdrew from Afghanistan (in 1988-89), or if the US was compelled to withdraw from Vietnam (in 1970s) or if the US failed to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan — it was not for lack of technology or military strength. Rather, the decisive factor was the spirit and commitment of the local people; what we refer to as the nation’s willpower.”Doval highlighted that security is a domain where outcomes are absolute. “There is no concept of a silver medal in security; there is either victory or defeat. If you win, the nation is safe; if you lose, existence itself is at risk,” he said, urging graduating students to remain fully committed to national service with discipline, preparedness and dedication.
