Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), is a name that inspires pride across the country. From a small village in Uttarakhand to becoming one of India’s most trusted leaders, his journey is a story of courage, hard work, and dedication. As the mastermind behind operations like the 2025 Operation Sindoor, Doval has shaped India’s security. Let’s explore his inspiring path in simple English for Indian readers.
Early Life in Uttarakhand
Ajit Kumar Doval was born on January 20, 1945, in Ghiri Banelsyun, a small village in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand (then part of the United Provinces). His father, Major G. N. Doval, served in the Indian Army, inspiring young Ajit to value discipline and patriotism. Growing up in a hilly region, life was simple but tough, teaching him resilience.
Doval studied at King George’s Royal Indian Military School (now Ajmer Military School) in Rajasthan. He was a bright student and later earned a master’s degree in economics from Agra University in 1967. His education built a strong foundation for his sharp thinking, which would later help him solve complex security challenges.
A Career in Intelligence
In 1968, Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in the Kerala cadre. He started as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Kottayam, showing early signs of bravery. His real calling came when he joined India’s Intelligence Bureau (IB), where he spent decades as a spy and strategist.
Doval was fearless. During Operation Black Thunder in 1988, he went undercover as an ISI agent inside the Golden Temple to gather information on Khalistani separatists. His secret maps and tips helped the Indian forces succeed without heavy losses. He also played a key role in Sikkim’s merger with India in the 1970s, showing his skill in sensitive missions. Posts on X praise Doval for living in Pakistan for seven years as a spy, though details remain classified.
Rising Through the Ranks
Doval’s work earned him the Kirti Chakra in 1988, a rare honor for a police officer, making him one of the youngest to receive this gallantry award. He handled 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines planes between 1971 and 1999, saving lives through smart negotiations. In 1999, he was part of the team that freed passengers during the IC-814 hijacking in Kandahar.
By 2004, Doval became the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, leading India’s top intelligence agency. He retired in 2005 but didn’t stop serving. He founded the Vivekananda International Foundation, a think tank, to share his ideas on India’s security.
Becoming India’s NSA
In May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Doval as India’s fifth National Security Advisor. At 69, he brought unmatched experience to the role. In 2019, he was given the rank of a Cabinet Minister, a first for any NSA, and in 2024, he received his third five-year extension, making him India’s longest-serving NSA.
As NSA, Doval has led major operations:
- 2014 Iraq Rescue: He helped bring back 46 Indian nurses trapped in a hospital in Tikrit, Iraq, during an ISIS attack.
- 2016 Surgical Strikes: After a terror attack in Uri, Doval planned cross-border strikes against terror camps in Pakistan.
- 2019 Balakot Airstrikes: He led India’s response to the Pulwama attack, targeting terror bases in Pakistan.
- 2025 Operation Sindoor: After the Pahalgam terror attack, Doval coordinated precise airstrikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK in just 23 minutes, with no Indian losses. He boldly challenged critics at IIT Madras in July 2025, saying, “Show one photo of damage” to India’s side.
Why Doval Inspires Indians
Doval’s journey from a village boy to a national hero shows that hard work and courage can lead to greatness. His actions, like walking the streets of riot-hit Delhi in 2020 to calm people, prove he cares for ordinary Indians. His focus on using Indian-made technology, as highlighted in his 2025 IIT Madras speech, inspires young Indians to innovate for the country.
For Indian youth, Doval is a role model. His story teaches that you don’t need a big city or wealth to succeed—just determination. Fans on X call him the “Pride of India” for his role in keeping the nation safe.
Challenges and Criticism
Doval’s bold moves, like Operation Sindoor, have sparked debates. Some foreign media claim India’s actions escalate tensions, but Doval dismisses these as baseless. His tough stance on terrorism, especially against groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, has drawn attention from global leaders, with some, like US President Donald Trump, urging calm between India and Pakistan.
Ajit Doval’s journey from a small village in Uttarakhand to India’s top security role is a tale of grit and patriotism. From being a daring spy to leading operations like Sindoor, he has kept India safe while inspiring millions. For Indian families, students, and dreamers, Doval’s life shows that with courage and hard work, anyone can rise to protect the nation. As he continues as NSA in 2025, Doval remains a true hero for India.
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