'Luckiest in 1,000 years': NSA Ajit Doval explains why he feels IIT Madras's outgoing techies as the most fortunate ones

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, in a rare public appearance at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, called the students of the premier institute as “the most fortunate graduates in the last 1,000 years” and urged them to understand the civilizational challenges that India has faced and overcome. He also highlighted India’s economic potential and strategic strengths as the country moves towards its 2047 goals.

Praise for IIT Madras and its alumni
Doval acknowledged IIT Madras’ role in national development and said over 48,000 alumni have made significant contributions across sectors. “The institution should take pride in what its graduates have achieved,” he said.

Explaining why he called the students as the most fortunate, Doval reflected on the conditions at the time of India’s independence. He said the country’s GDP then was just $20 billion, about 1.9% of today’s value. He added that nearly 80% of Indians were below the poverty line. Citing the Bengal famine, he said, “There was starvation, death... and it was a pity no one talks about it today.” He added, “The spirit of the country was so enslaved that no one even spoke.” He told students that their mid-40s would be the peak of their careers, when they would have both knowledge and stability, along with many productive years still ahead.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Ajit Doval hits out at foreign media reportage, says no evidence of Indian damage

Largest military by 2047
Quoting Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IIT Madras’ Board of Governors, Doval spoke of India’s economic ambitions by 2047. He cited projections of India reaching a GDP of $32 trillion and a per capita income of $22,000, up from today’s $2,500. India’s workforce, projected to be 1.1 billion, would be “better educated, highly skilled, and globally connected,” he said.

He also said that India could have the world’s largest military force by 2047. If defense spending remains at 1.9% of GDP, the military budget could increase from $77 billion to around $608 billion, making it a major force in global affairs.

On Operation Sindoor
Doval also spoke about international media coverage of recent military events and questioned reports about alleged Pakistani actions. “You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian structure—even a glass pane broken,” he said.

Referring to satellite images shown in the international press, he noted that they showed only Pakistani airbases like Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, and Chaklala before and after May 10. “We are capable of doing that,” he said, emphasizing India’s strategic capabilities.