New Delhi

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday said India must become strong in every sphere—security, economy and social development—to overcome the scars of its history marked by repeated invasions, subjugation and loss of sovereignty.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue as the guest of honour, Doval urged the country’s youth to draw strength from the sacrifices made by earlier generations and work towards building a resilient and powerful nation.

“You are fortunate to have been born in a free India. Many of us were born in a colonised country. Our freedom came at an enormous cost,” the 81-year-old former Intelligence Bureau director told nearly 3,000 young participants from across the country.

Recalling the struggles of India’s freedom fighters, Doval said leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh endured immense suffering to secure independence.

“Bhagat Singh embraced the gallows, Bose dedicated his entire life to the cause, and Mahatma Gandhi led prolonged movements of sacrifice and resistance. Independence did not come easily,” he said.

Doval said while the word “revenge” may not sound ideal, the emotion behind it can serve as a powerful force for national transformation.

“We must take lessons from our past and ensure that India rises again—not only in terms of border security, but also economically, socially and institutionally. Strength in every dimension is essential,” he said.

Calling the participants the future leaders of the country, Doval underlined the importance of decisive leadership, citing a famous quote by Napoleon to emphasise that leadership determines the destiny of nations.

He said India historically followed a civilisational ethos that did not promote aggression or destruction, but warned that lack of preparedness in the past had left the country vulnerable.

“We were a progressive civilisation and did not invade or destroy others. But history shows that failure to prioritise security came at a heavy price,” he said.

Doval stressed that remembering these lessons was crucial, particularly for the youth.

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“If the younger generation forgets this history, it would be a tragedy for the nation,” he said, urging them to remain conscious of the sacrifices that shaped modern India and channel that awareness into building a strong, self-reliant and confident country.