India, Jan. 26 -- Addressing the opening ceremony of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders' Dialogue in Delhi, the National Security Adviser of India underlined the centrality of strong leadership and the need for Bharat to remain inspired by the powerful sentiment of self-protection. He also stressed the timeless values of discipline and perseverance.

The sentiment of self-protection is found in the Dharma Shastras like the Manusmriti. Several sages, thinkers and teachers such as Manu, Brihaspati, Ushanasa and Bharadvaja considered self-preservation to be the fundamental duty of an individual. The right to self-defence was extended even to Brahmins (priests) and Vaishyas (traders), who were normally dissuaded from bearing weapons. In times of...