NSA Doval recalls ‘shastrartha’, says ideas stop once ‘coercion’ becomes instrument for countering competitive thoughts

Recalling ‘shastrartha’, an intellectual debate of ancient times in India, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has said that new ideas and thoughts cease to emerge once “coercion” becomes an instrument for countering competitive thoughts.

Speaking at the Khusro Foundation’s book launch for author Ahmet T Kuru’s latest work, “Islam, Authoritarianism and Underdevelopment,” NSA Doval emphasised the need for introspection to analyse things scientifically and without prejudice for societal evolution.

He said conflicts are inherent in any ideology, belief system, or state.

Citing an example from ancient India, he said, “The conflict mitigation or resolution mechanism, or mindset of societies is rooted in the Indian example. First, there is conflict within man himself — a conflict between competing beliefs, with God, and with society. Even within oneself, there may be multiple perspectives, and sometimes introspection is required. This inner conflict was resolved in Hinduism and Oriental religions through meditation, which is a dialogue with one’s self. One engages with their own thoughts.”

Doval further explained that societal conflicts were resolved through dialogue, and India has “a great tradition of what we used to call the ‘shastrartha’”.

“Buddhism came, and it came into conflict with the existing Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism. But the conflict was resolved through dialogue. There used to be frequent debates going on for days and months at a time between the thinkers of the scholars,” he said.