‘Freedom does not mean mere arbitrariness’:Ajit Doval says today’s generation will have to understand its true meaning, it has been achieved after a long struggle

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday said freedom should not be mistaken for the liberty to do whatever one wishes, urging the younger generation to understand that India’s independence was won after a long and hard struggle. He said, “Young people may understand independence as simply the freedom to do whatever they want, but that is not the true meaning of independence. We must explain that there was a long struggle and history behind the country’s independence.” Doval received the Lokmanya Tilak Award on August 1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present at the event. Doval expressed concern over misuse of powers Amit Shah says Doval’s appointment changed India’s strategic approach Addressing the gathering, Home Minister Amit Shah said one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first major decisions after assuming office in 2014 was appointing Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor. According to Shah, the decision transformed India’s strategic outlook and strengthened its national security architecture. He said India’s foreign policy today reflects “steel-like strength” and that the country has secured a stronger position on the global stage while maintaining self-respect. Bhagwat advocates dialogue with Gen Z The remarks come days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged people to engage with the younger generation through dialogue rather than instructions. Speaking at an event in Delhi on July 25, Bhagwat said today’s youth ask many questions and should be told the reasoning behind decisions instead of being expected to obey without explanation. “We should not give orders. We should have conversations with them. Only through dialogue can they be shown the right direction,” Bhagwat said, adding that power should not be used to impose one’s will on others. His comments came amid nationwide student protests over the paper leak issue, with demonstrations being held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Who are Gen Z? Generation Z, or Gen Z, includes people born between 1997 and 2012. Having grown up in the digital era, the generation is known for its familiarity with smartphones, social media, instant access to information and online networking. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is often associated with expressing its views through creative, visual and digital forms of communication rather than traditional methods. ​