Nation’s willpower as important as military strength, says Doval

Ahmedabad: National security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday described national security as a "complex and multifaceted phenomenon" and stressed that the biggest mistake in assessing a nation's strength is ignoring the willpower of its people.

While factors such as military strength are critical, inherent strength of people often proves decisive in security matters, he said, speaking at the fifth convocation of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) at its Lavad campus near Gandhinagar on Tuesday. Doval received an honorary doctorate at the ceremony from President Droupadi Murmu, who was the chief guest.




"If Russia (then USSR) withdrew from Afghanistan (in 1988-89), or if the United States was compelled to withdraw from Vietnam (in 1970s) or if the US failed to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan, it was not for a lack of technology or military strength. Rather, the decisive factor was the spirit and commitment of the local people, what we refer to as nation's willpower," said the NSA in his speech.

"Today, after a long time in our history, we are witnessing a new awakening. (That) national security is a collective responsibility shared by the entire nation. It is not the sole responsibility of the armed forces, police, or intelligence agencies — it is the combined strength of all of you that ultimately constitutes our national morale," he told the gathering. Doval said that there is no ‘silver medal' in national security. "You are either victorious, or you are vanquished. If you win, you make history; but if you lose, you become history," he said.

In her speech, President Murmu underlined the need for police officers technically capable and proficient in apprehending and securing conviction of perpetrators of cyberfrauds, forensic experts capable of providing evidence that can withstand the scrutiny of courts; and also, competent professionals who can grasp the nuances of geopolitics and articulate India's perspective on the global stage with confidence and clarity.

More than 500 students from different campuses of RRU received their degrees during the ceremony .
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