Ajit Doval with President Draupadi Murmu

New Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has said that “after a long time, we are witnessing a new awakening in India”, where national security is no longer the sole domain of uniformed personnel, but the collective responsibility of every citizen.“National security is the responsibility of the entire country and not just the armed forces, police or intelligence. It is our collective strength. Our collective strength together builds national morale,” he said while addressing students at the fifth convocation of the National Defense University (RRU) in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.Doval said, “National security is a vast, complex and multidimensional phenomenon. It involves many components: a country’s military power, technological prowess, natural resources, diplomatic strength and human capital.” After receiving an honorary doctorate from President Draupadi Murmu, he said that the biggest errors while assessing comprehensive national power are in evaluating the will of a nation and the inherent strength of its people.Citing global examples, the NSA said, “If Russia (then USSR) withdrew from Afghanistan (in 1988–89), or if the US was forced to withdraw from Vietnam (in the 1970s) or if the US failed to achieve its objectives in Afghanistan – it was not due to lack of technology or military might. Rather, the decisive factor was the spirit and commitment of the local people; what we refer to as the will of the nation.”Doval highlighted that security is an area where consequences are absolute. He urged the graduating students to remain fully committed to national service with discipline, preparation and dedication, saying, “There is no concept of silver medal in security; there is victory or defeat. If you win, the country is safe; if you lose, survival itself is at stake.”