5 Life Lessons From NSA Ajit Doval’s IIT Roorkee Speech: Common Trait of Successful People, ‘Know Your Map’ & More | Today’s news
Life rarely follows a fixed plan, even for people with years of experience. NSA Ajit Doval addressed the alumni of IIT Roorkee and shared the lessons learned from his journey.
He spoke to students about understanding yourself, choosing your direction, making decisions and showing courage. His message was also a reminder of responsibility and values.
These sessions offer off-campus and professional career guidance. They can help anyone who faces uncertainty, opportunities or difficult decisions in everyday life.
Ask yourself where you stand
NSA Doval recalled an experience during his early intelligence career in Sikkim. A conversation about reading maps helped him understand life differently. Before you can find your way, you must first know where you are. It was his Sherpa friend who showered him with these pearls of wisdom. “It’s all about reading your map,” he said. “In life, some read it right, some read it wrong.”
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He combined this idea with understanding your current situation and abilities. Your thoughts, emotions, strengths and weaknesses change over time. Therefore, understanding yourself cannot be a task that you complete once.
Take time to reflect on your progress and challenges. Talk to yourself and see what you can improve. Yesterday’s understanding of self may need to be examined today.
Know where you want to go
Knowing your starting point is only one part of finding your way. You also need to understand your target, explained NSA’s Ajit Doval, using the same map-reading example.
“I’m not very educated. But I know three things. If you know these three things, no destination can worry you. First, ask yourself where you are. Second, ask yourself where you want to go. And finally, figure out how to get there and probably how to get back,” the Sherpa told Doval.
Keep checking your goals rather than following them without question. Be clear about your direction while remaining realistic about changing situations. A useful plan should reflect your current reality and aspirations.
Understanding the scenario
According to Doval, no one deliberately chooses a decision that they consider to be wrong. People often realize their mistakes much later.
However, you can choose between an informed decision and an uninformed decision. Study the situation, understand your surroundings and talk to experienced people. Think carefully before making a decision instead of relying entirely on luck.
“You are not who you were five years ago. You are not who you are today. Whatever changed in the past will change in the future. Be prepared for that and keep evaluating and reevaluating,” Doval told the students.
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Have the courage to face risks
NSA Ajit Doval shared the story of Ramayana to explain the importance of courage. In his narrative, Vishwamitra approached Dasharatha seeking protection for his son from the demons near his cottage. He shortlisted Bharata and Ram and then asked them to choose between two paths.
One route was longer but safe, while the shorter route posed serious risks. Bharat preferred a longer journey as he wanted to reach the ashram safely. Taking the dangerous route, Ram promised to take Vishwamitra safely to his destination.
Doval said he often wondered why Vishwamitra chose Rama over Bharat. Ram’s “courage” showed his ability to bring about change and achieve greatness. According to Doval, all successful people show this quality in their own way.
“If you don’t do that, your life is safe. You can live it well. You won’t have any big gains, you won’t have any big pains. Don’t bother. But if you have to have these big gains, you have to be prepared for big pains,” Doval told the students.
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Let values guide your ambitions
NSA Doval concluded with a clear reminder of the limits of insolence. Courage must come with responsibility and values must never be abandoned.
Ambition can propel you forward, but your behavior along the way matters. Keep your principles close when you face difficult situations or make important decisions.
“The world is yours. It’s waiting for you. It’s waiting to be conquered. It’s waiting for you to build your government. Be brave. But remember to be responsible and never abandon your values,” NSA Ajit Doval said in his closing statement.
Listen to the full speech here: