India is a civilisational state, not based on religion or language: NSA Doval

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said that India is a "civilizational" state which has existed since times. Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand, he highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilization existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947.

NSA Doval said, "Our state, India is a civilizational state, it's not based on religion, not based on language, nor ethnicity but on a civilization".

He lauded India's saints and the role they played in Nation Building and gave examples of how Jews as civilization existed for 2000 years but got a state in 1947 while how civilizations like Egypt disappeared.

Not mentioning any regional tensions, Doval said, "To save the nation is important....we will fight only where we are getting threats". Adding," We will fight, on our soil and outside, but not for selfish motives or vested interest but for Parmarth or larger good"

He also called on to spread the message of India's spirituality.

Ajit Doval, along with his wife had gone to his native village in Pauri district of Uttarakhand to perform puja on the occasion of Navratra. During his visit, he interacted with the locals and visited his ancestral house, which is in a dilapidated condition. Doval expressed his desire to rebuild his house so that he could visit the place often.

He also visited Parmarth Niketan and participated in the spiritual activities of the mission of Swami Chidanand Saraswati.