National Security Advisor Ajit Doval shared a significant episode from his early intelligence career while addressing graduating students at the IIT Roorkee convocation on Saturday.
Doval recalled that he was a young IPS officer in his twenties when he was posted as the intelligence in-charge in Sikkim. His responsibilities included monitoring border areas and gathering intelligence related to the activities and movement of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
According to Doval's account, an intelligence team was once sent on a mission to a border area. The team was expected to return within a specified period, but it did not come back on schedule.
As the days passed without any information about the team, the situation became increasingly concerning. Doval said the uncertainty worried him not only professionally but also on a personal and human level because there was no information about whether the members of the team were safe.
Team Was in Chinese Custody
Doval said that he eventually received information from headquarters that the team was in Chinese custody. The personnel had been detained and questioned by Chinese forces.
The team was later returned after discussions or negotiations, according to Doval's account. He recalled that the incident left him deeply concerned about the consequences for his career.
At that stage, Doval said he believed the incident could mark the end of his career. He was still in his twenties and felt that he might have to begin his professional life again.
An inquiry was subsequently conducted into the incident. Doval said the inquiry did not hold him responsible. He attributed the problem to defects and mistakes in the sketches and maps provided to the team.
His Early Years in Intelligence
Doval also spoke about the circumstances in which he began working in intelligence. As a young IPS officer posted in Sikkim, he was involved in intelligence-related responsibilities at a sensitive time.
His duties included keeping track of developments along the border and gathering information about the activities of Chinese forces.
The incident he recalled showed how difficult intelligence work could be in remote and sensitive border areas. Even a problem involving maps or directions could have serious consequences when a team was operating near a disputed or sensitive border zone.
The disappearance of the team for several days therefore became a major concern for the young officer responsible for intelligence.
A Lesson from a Difficult Experience
Doval shared the incident with students while explaining that he wanted to discuss some experiences from his own life rather than simply deliver a conventional speech.
The episode demonstrated that difficult situations can arise even when officials are carrying out their responsibilities. He recalled initially viewing the incident as a serious professional failure and fearing that his career might come to an end.
However, the subsequent inquiry cleared him of responsibility. The explanation, according to Doval, was connected to errors in the maps and sketches that had been provided to the team.
The story therefore also carried a message about dealing with setbacks and learning from difficult experiences.
Doval Calls Graduates a Fortunate Generation
During the convocation, Doval also spoke about the opportunities available to today's generation. He told the graduating students that rapid technological development has created opportunities that were not available to earlier generations.
He said technology would play an increasingly important role in the growth and progress of countries and societies.
For students beginning their professional careers, he emphasised the importance of recognising the opportunities created by technological change.
### 2,701 Students to Receive Degrees
The IIT Roorkee convocation is being held over September 19 and 20. A total of 2,701 students are receiving degrees during the two-day ceremony.
Doval attended the event as the chief guest. Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani attended as the guest of honour. Senior advocate Harish Salve and IIT Roorkee Director Professor Kamal Kishore Pant were also associated with the ceremony.
Discussion on Technology and the Changing World
The convocation also focused on the changing role of technology and the responsibilities of the graduating generation.
Doval told students that they are entering professional life at a time when technology is becoming one of the major drivers of economic and social development.
Senior advocate Harish Salve also addressed the graduates and spoke about changes in the global order, the importance of freedom and democracy, and the role of technology in shaping the future.
From a Difficult Episode to a Career Lesson
The Sikkim episode recalled by Doval brought attention to one of the difficult moments of his early career. An intelligence team failed to return on schedule, was later reported to be in Chinese custody and was eventually returned.
Doval said he initially believed the incident could end his career. However, the inquiry later found no fault on his part, according to his account.
By sharing the episode with students, Doval connected a difficult professional experience with a broader message about dealing with uncertainty, learning from mistakes and continuing to move forward.
For the graduating students, the story came alongside his broader message about technology, opportunity and responsibility at a time of rapid change.
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