National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval emphasized the critical nature of national security, stating, “There is no second place in this arena. Winning shapes history, while losing erases it; your very existence is at risk.” His remarks were made during the fifth convocation ceremony of the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, where President Droupadi Murmu and other dignitaries touched upon India’s ongoing struggle against Naxalism.

During the event, Doval was awarded an honorary doctorate from RRU and delivered a speech centered on the concept of “comprehensive national power.” He cautioned against misjudging this power, particularly regarding the resilience and determination of the populace. Doval referenced historical withdrawals, such as Russia’s departure from Afghanistan and the U.S. exit from Vietnam, attributing the failures of superior military powers to their underestimation of local willpower. He asserted that the essence of warfare revolves around diminishing a nation’s resolve and imposing external will upon its citizens. Doval noted a growing awareness of security among the Indian populace, which he believes is vital for national resilience.

While addressing the graduates, Doval stressed that safeguarding the nation is a collective duty that extends beyond the armed forces and intelligence agencies. He highlighted the significant contributions of those actively engaged in security roles, noting that their skills, knowledge, and character, coupled with discipline and dedication, are invaluable.

President Murmu acknowledged recent successes against Naxalism, commending both state and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for their efforts. She remarked, “The national flag now waves proudly in regions that once displayed the red flag of Naxalism.”

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat pointed out that the current state of internal security has significantly improved, recalling a time when people feared returning home after leaving during the day. He attributed this positive change to the efforts of NSA Doval, Prime Minister Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Discussing Naxalism, he noted that it had previously wreaked havoc in many areas, but the leadership has effectively dismantled these threats.

Also present at the event were Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay Kumar.

Brendan Dabhi is a journalist with The Indian Express, specializing in comprehensive reporting on Gujarat. His focus includes critical social, legal, and administrative issues, with a keen interest in the intersections of health, social justice, and disaster response.

His expertise spans various domains:

• Health and Public Policy: Dabhi possesses extensive knowledge in healthcare matters, particularly rare diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), organ transplant logistics, and public health challenges such as drug-resistant tuberculosis and heat health surveillance. His reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic and Mucormycosis was instrumental in highlighting the healthcare issues faced by marginalized communities in Gujarat.
• Social Justice and Legal Administration: He covers the workings of the legal and police systems, examining the influence of judicial philosophies, forensics, and vital administrative reforms. His reporting includes significant surveillance and enforcement activities by the Gujarat police and security forces at the international border.
• Disaster and Crisis Management: Dabhi tracks governmental and civic responses to large-scale crises, offering essential insights into the human and administrative consequences of disasters, including cyclones, floods, conflicts, and major incidents like the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad.
• Civic Infrastructure and Governance: He provides timely coverage of crucial civic failures, including large infrastructure projects undertaken by railways and civic bodies, as well as the enforcement of municipal regulations and their impacts on residents and heritage.

Stay informed with the latest updates by following us on Instagram.