Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday urged young people to read Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Gita Rahasya, describing it as a practical guide to life that can help them avoid mistakes and better understand the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Speaking in Pune while presenting the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Award to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Shah also paid tribute to Tilak's contribution to India's freedom movement, saying he played a pivotal role in awakening national consciousness and inspiring the struggle for self-rule.

Addressing students and young people, Shah said he had personally read Gita Rahasya in Gujarati and encouraged others to do the same. He described the book as the practical essence of the Bhagavad Gita, explaining that it demonstrates how ordinary people can apply its teachings in their daily lives. Shah said Tilak's philosophy continues to remain relevant and urged the youth to follow the path shown by the freedom fighter and social reformer.

The Home Minister praised Tilak's role as a journalist and nationalist leader, recalling that his newspapers, Kesari and Mahratta, were among the publications most feared by the British colonial administration. Shah said Tilak believed that political freedom could not be meaningful without first awakening national consciousness among the people. He added that Tilak successfully mobilised society by transforming cultural events such as the Ganesh Utsav into platforms for public participation and the freedom movement.

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Shah also congratulated National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on receiving the Lokmanya Tilak Award, describing him as an individual whose exceptional service to the nation has elevated him beyond an individual to an institution. He thanked the Tilak Smarak Trust for inviting him to present the honour and said recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country inspires others to dedicate themselves to public service and nation-building.

Highlighting Tilak's enduring legacy on his death anniversary, Shah said the nationalist leader transformed the idea of Swaraj into a mass movement, championed Swadeshi and promoted economic self-reliance long before Independence. According to the Home Minister, Tilak's vision continues to influence modern initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, reinforcing the importance of self-reliance, national unity and public participation in India's development. During his address, Shah did not comment on the recent nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, focusing instead on Tilak's legacy and the importance of youth drawing inspiration from his ideals.

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