Amit Shah Urges Youth to Read Lokmanya Tilak’s Gita Rahasya to Avoid Mistakes in Life

August 1, 2026

Pune: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday urged young people to read Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s acclaimed book Gita Rahasya, saying it offers practical life lessons that can help them avoid mistakes and lead a meaningful life.

Shah made the remarks while presenting the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Award to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Pune. During his address, he praised Tilak’s contribution to India’s freedom movement and his efforts to awaken national consciousness.

‘Read Gita Rahasya, It Will Guide Your Life’: Amit Shah

Addressing students and young people, Amit Shah said he had read the Gujarati translation of Gita Rahasya and described it as a practical interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita.

He urged the youth to study the book, saying its teachings demonstrate how ordinary people can apply the principles of the Gita in their daily lives and avoid making mistakes.

Shah Highlights Tilak’s Legacy

The Home Minister praised Lokmanya Tilak’s role in India’s freedom struggle, saying he believed political independence had little meaning without awakening national consciousness.

Shah also highlighted Tilak’s contribution to journalism through the newspapers Kesari and Mahratta, which he said became powerful voices against British rule. He noted that Tilak united people through public festivals such as Ganesh Utsav, helping transform the freedom movement into a mass campaign.

Ajit Doval Honoured with Lokmanya Tilak Award

Congratulating National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on receiving the Lokmanya Tilak Award, Shah described him as an individual whose exceptional service to the nation has inspired millions.

He said recognising such personalities is society’s way of expressing gratitude and motivating future generations to serve the country with dedication.

Shah further remarked that Tilak’s vision of Swaraj, Swadeshi, and self-reliance continues to inspire modern initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, underscoring the enduring relevance of his ideas.