Pune, Aug. 1 -- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday paid tribute to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's principles and struggles, saying his life, thoughts and writings continue to inspire generations, as he conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Addressing the award ceremony held on the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak, the Home Minister said Tilak believed that the true purpose of education was to enlighten the intellect through knowledge. He noted that the British feared newspapers such as Kesari and The Maratha for their role in awakening national consciousness.

Shah said Tilak was among the first to emphasise that independence would have little meaning unless the na...