NSA Doval visits his alma mater Rashtriya Military School, Ajmer; interacts with students

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had travelled to Ajmer on Saturday, April 10, to visit the Rashtriya Military School in Ajmer. He interacted with the children of the school and participated in the program scheduled there. Ajit Doval had earlier been a student there, and hence, his visit to the Military school in Ajmer was a kind of homecoming for the NSA.

The students and wards of the Rashtriya Military School were clearly enthusiastic, their excitement at having their illustrious senior among them palpable. They presented skits, mimes and poetry for the NSA, including his role in India's Surgical Strike on Pakistan and referencing the new paradigm in national security architecture under him. As observed by a US State Department report recently, India is more likely to take an increasingly offensive defence posture under the Modi government, something shaped in good measure by NSA Doval.

No substitute for hard work: NSA Doval to cadets

As per information about his speech to cadets and staff accessed by Republic, NSA Ajit Doval emphasised that there are no shortcuts to success and implored them all to never give up. 'Self-discipline is the key to success,' he shared, telling the students in no uncertain terms that they are second to none, should be proud of themselves, and conduct themselves accordingly.

He put forth that will and hope are the most important virtues and that success comes with hardwork and firm decisions. 'There is no substitute to hard work,' the NSA said telling the cadets to never get demoralised and demotivated in life and to not let failures make them lose sight of their aim and their focus.

The NSA also wrote in the school's visitor's book, and planted a Rudraksha tree on campus before bidding farewell. CDS General Bipin Rawat also accompanied the NSA on his visit.

Rashtriya Military School, Ajmer

The Indian Army-managed institution for boys mainly gives education to wards of defence personnel and other students. The school was found in 1930 and offers several military facilities. In 1952, the school was reorganized on public school lines and admissions were made open to the sons of Defense Service Officers and Civilians. In 1954, the school became a part of the Indian Public School Conference (IPSC). In 1966 the school was renamed Military School and its old motto 'play the game' was changed to 'Sheelam Param Bhushanam' which means 'character is the highest virtue'. The name 'Rashtriya Military School Ajmer' was given on 25th June 2007. The Rashtriya Military School Ajmer, an English medium school affiliated to CBSE, New Delhi is a category 'A' establishment run by the Ministry of Defence and is an active member of the IPSC. The school has several of its alumni including NSA Ajit Doval occupying high positions in the Armed Forces and in other sectors doing stellar service to the motherland.