National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday described the graduating students of IIT Roorkee as the “luckiest generation in a millennium”, saying they are entering a world offering unprecedented opportunities driven by rapid technological advancement.
Doval was speaking as the chief guest at the two-day convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, where degrees are being awarded to 2,701 students. Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani attended the ceremony as the guest of honour.
Addressing the graduates, Doval said generations before them had faced far greater constraints and that technological progress has transformed opportunities available to young people.
He said technology will be among the most important drivers of growth and progress for countries and societies, urging the graduates to recognise the opportunities available to them.
Doval Recalls Sikkim Intelligence Mission
During his address, Doval also recalled an intelligence operation from his early years in the intelligence service, when he was posted in Sikkim.
He said he was a young IPS officer in his twenties and was responsible for intelligence in Sikkim during the period when the territory was becoming part of India. His responsibilities also included monitoring the border areas and gathering intelligence on the activities and movements of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Recalling one operation, Doval said an intelligence team sent to a border area failed to return within the expected timeframe.
He said the personnel were subsequently informed to have been captured and interrogated by Chinese forces before being returned following talks or negotiations.
Doval said an inquiry was initiated after their return and he initially feared that the incident could end his career. However, he said the inquiry found no fault on his part and determined that defects in maps and sketches provided by headquarters had contributed to the incident.
Harish Salve Highlights Changing World Order
Senior Advocate Harish Salve, who also addressed the graduates, spoke about the changing global order and the challenges facing democratic systems.
Salve told the students that they are entering a world undergoing significant transformation, where the rules-based international order can no longer be taken for granted.
He urged the graduates not to take freedom and democracy for granted, stressing that modern societies must recognise the fragility of these institutions.
Salve said the graduating generation would have a significant responsibility in helping shape a new world order, with technology expected to remain at its core.
The two-day convocation at IIT Roorkee began on Saturday, with 2,701 students set to receive their degrees. IIT Roorkee Director K. K. Pant and other senior officials were also present at the ceremony.
