On January 20, 2025, Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, celebrated his 80th birthday. Known as the “James Bond of India,” he is a man of courage and strategy. His life is full of thrilling stories. He has served India with dedication. This article tells the unique story of Ajit Doval’s life. It aims to inspire young readers with his journey.
Early Life And Education
Ajit Doval was born in a small village called Ghiri Banelsyun. It is in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The year was 1945. His father was an officer in the Indian Army. Young Ajit grew up in a disciplined home. He studied at Ajmer Military School in Rajasthan. He was a bright student. Later, he went to Agra University. There, he earned a Master’s degree in Economics. He graduated in 1967. His education built a strong foundation. It helped him think clearly and solve problems. Ajit was always curious. He loved learning about the world. This curiosity shaped his future.
Ajit Doval Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Religion, Wife, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ajit Kumar Doval |
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Ghiri Banelsyun, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India |
| Education | - Ajmer Military School, Rajasthan - Master’s in Economics, Agra University (1967) |
| Family | - Married to Aruni Doval (1972) - Two sons: Shaurya and Vivek |
| Early Career | - Joined Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968 - Kerala cadre - Controlled riots in Thalassery (1972) |
| Intelligence Career | - Joined Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 1972 - Undercover in Pakistan for 7 years - Convinced Mizoram rebels to surrender |
| Key Role in Sikkim | - Helped in Sikkim’s merger with India (1975) - Provided key information and advice |
| Operation Black Thunder | - Undercover in Golden Temple, Amritsar (1988) - Posed as ISI agent - Helped remove terrorists |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Director of IB | - Director of Intelligence Bureau (2004) - Started Multi Agency Centre (MAC) - Formed Joint Task Force on Intelligence - Retired in 2005 |
| Vivekananda International Foundation | - Founded VIF in 2009 - Think tank for security and foreign policy - Wrote articles and gave speeches |
| National Security Advisor | - Appointed NSA in 2014 by PM Narendra Modi - Given Cabinet Minister rank in 2019 |
| Major Operations as NSA | - Rescued 46 Indian nurses from Iraq (2014) - Planned surgical strike after Uri attack (2016) - Planned Balakot airstrike after Pulwama attack (2019) - Secured release of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman (2019) - Led Operation Sindoor after Pahalgam attack (2025) |
| Awards | - Kirti Chakra (1988, first police officer to receive it) - President’s Police Medal (1975) - Honorary doctorates from Agra University (2017), Kumaun University (2018), Amity University (2018) |
| Values and Beliefs | - Believes in India’s culture and heritage - Called India a civilizational state (2022) - Inspires patriotism |
| Legacy | - Known as “James Bond of India” - Inspires young Indians to serve the nation - Symbol of courage and dedication |
Joining The Indian Police Service
In 1968, Ajit Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). He was part of the Kerala cadre. His first posting was in Kerala. He worked in Thalassery for a few months in 1972. There, communal riots broke out. The situation was tense. Ajit worked hard to bring peace. He showed great courage. His efforts impressed his seniors. Soon, he was called to Delhi. He joined the Intelligence Bureau (IB). This was the start of his journey in intelligence. Ajit was ready for bigger challenges.
A Brave Intelligence Officer
Ajit Doval became a master of undercover work. He joined the IB in 1972. He spent years working in secret. One of his biggest missions was in Pakistan. He lived there for seven years as an undercover agent. He pretended to be someone else. He gathered important information. This helped India stay safe. His work was risky. Yet, he never backed down. Ajit also worked in Mizoram. There, rebels were fighting against India. Ajit joined their group secretly. He convinced many rebels to surrender. His smart moves helped bring peace to Mizoram.
Role In Sikkim’s Merger
Ajit Doval played a key role in Sikkim’s merger with India. This happened in 1975. Sikkim was facing unrest. Ajit worked as an intelligence officer. He gathered information about the situation. He gave smart advice to the government. His efforts helped India make Sikkim a state. For this, he was honored with the President’s Police Medal. He got it after only seven years of service. Usually, it takes 14 years to earn this medal. This was a big achievement for Ajit. He was only 30 years old.
Operation Black Thunder
In 1988, Ajit Doval showed his bravery again. He was part of Operation Black Thunder. This was in Amritsar, Punjab. Terrorists had taken over the Golden Temple. Ajit went inside as an undercover agent. He posed as an ISI agent from Pakistan. He gained the trust of the terrorists. He learned about their plans and weapons. He made secret maps of their positions. This information helped the Indian forces. They removed the terrorists without much harm to the temple. Ajit’s courage earned him the Kirti Chakra. He was the first police officer to receive this military honor.
Leading The Intelligence Bureau
In 2004, Ajit Doval became the Director of the Intelligence Bureau. He led the IB’s operations wing for over ten years before this. As Director, he made the IB stronger. He started the Multi Agency Centre (MAC). This group shares information between agencies. It helps fight terrorism. Ajit also formed the Joint Task Force on Intelligence. His ideas improved India’s security system. He retired from the IB in 2005. But his work was far from over.
Founding Vivekananda International Foundation
After retirement, Ajit Doval did not stop working for India. In 2009, he founded the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF). This is a think tank. It studies India’s security and foreign policies. Ajit wrote articles and gave speeches. He shared his ideas on national security. He spoke at top institutions in India and abroad. His thoughts inspired many people. The VIF became a respected platform. Ajit’s work kept him active in India’s security discussions.
Becoming National Security Advisor
In 2014, Ajit Doval became India’s National Security Advisor (NSA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose him for this role. Ajit was perfect for the job. He had years of experience. As NSA, he advised the Prime Minister on security matters. He also dealt with foreign affairs. In 2019, he was given the rank of Cabinet Minister. This was a first for any NSA. Ajit became one of Modi’s most trusted advisors. His decisions shaped India’s policies.
Key Operations As NSA
Ajit Doval led many important operations as NSA. In 2014, he helped rescue 46 Indian nurses. They were trapped in Iraq during a war. Ajit flew to Iraq secretly. He met with officials and planned their safe return. The nurses came back to India safely. In 2016, he planned the surgical strike against Pakistan. This was after a terror attack in Uri. Indian forces crossed the border. They destroyed terror camps. Ajit’s planning made the operation a success.
In 2019, another terror attack happened in Pulwama. It killed 40 Indian soldiers. Ajit was part of the team that planned the Balakot airstrike. Indian jets bombed terror camps in Pakistan. Ajit also helped free an Indian pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman. The pilot was captured by Pakistan. Ajit spoke with US officials to secure his release. These actions showed his skill in handling crises.
Personal Life And Values
Ajit Doval is married to Aruni Doval. They got married in 1972. They have two sons, Shaurya and Vivek. Ajit is a private person. He stays away from the limelight. He believes in India’s culture and heritage. In 2022, he spoke about India as a civilizational state. He said India’s strength comes from its shared history. He urged people to protect this heritage. His words inspired many Indians.
Awards And Recognition
Ajit Doval has won many awards. The Kirti Chakra is his biggest honor. He also received the President’s Police Medal. Later, he got honorary doctorates. Agra University gave him one in 2017. Kumaun University and Amity University followed in 2018. These awards show his great work. People respect him as a patriot and leader.
A True Indian Hero
Ajit Doval’s life is like an adventure story. He faced danger with courage. He solved problems with his sharp mind. From secret missions to leading India’s security, he has done it all. His work in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Punjab saved many lives. His operations as NSA made India stronger. Young Indians look up to him. He shows what hard work and bravery can achieve. Ajit Doval is a true hero. His story teaches us to serve our country with pride.
Legacy And Inspiration
Ajit Doval’s journey is not just about his achievements. It is about his love for India. He spent years in danger to keep the nation safe. His life shows the power of dedication. He never gave up, even in tough times. Today, he inspires young people. Many want to join the police or army because of him. His story is a lesson in courage and patriotism. Ajit Doval will always be remembered as India’s silent guardian.