Pune, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday urged young people to read Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Gita Rahasya, saying the book offers practical guidance for life and can help them avoid making mistakes.
Addressing a function in Pune after presenting the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Award to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Shah encouraged students to draw inspiration from Tilak’s life and ideals.
“I obtained Lokmanya Tilak’s Gita Rahasya in Gujarati. My appeal to the youth is this: Read Tilak’s Gita, and I guarantee you will never make a mistake in your life. This text represents the practical essence of the Bhagavad Gita. It demonstrates how a common person can live according to its teachings,” Shah said.
Recalling Tilak’s contribution to India’s freedom movement, the Home Minister said the nationalist leader believed that independence had little meaning without awakening national consciousness.
Shah also highlighted Tilak’s role as a journalist, saying the British administration feared his newspapers Kesari and Mahratta because of their influence in mobilising public opinion.
He said Tilak successfully united people through cultural festivals and public movements, transforming the demand for Swaraj into a mass movement while promoting the ideals of Swadeshi and national self-reliance.
Congratulating National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on receiving the Lokmanya Tilak Award, Shah said individuals who dedicate themselves to extraordinary service for the nation eventually become institutions in their own right. He added that honouring such personalities not only expresses society’s gratitude but also inspires future generations.
Shah thanked the Tilak Smarak Trust for inviting him to present the award and expressed confidence that recognising Doval’s contribution would motivate people from all sections of society.
Referring to Tilak’s legacy, the Home Minister said his vision of self-reliance and economic nationalism continues to inspire initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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