The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s apex anti-terrorism body, has adopted its first-ever motto, “राष्ट्ररक्षणम् आद्यकर्तव्यम्” (National Security is the Foremost Duty). The motto, reflecting the agency’s mission and values, was unveiled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a ceremony in New Delhi on November 7.
Acknowledging the contribution of Dr. Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay, a retired IPS officer, in formulating the motto, the NIA expressed its gratitude through a letter from Director General Sadanand Date, IPS. The letter highlighted Dr. Upadhyay’s pivotal role in crafting a slogan that truly embodies the ethos of the country’s premier counter-terrorism agency.
Director General Sadanand Date, in his letter to Dr. Upadhyay, wrote: “This motto, which embodies the essence of the organization’s mission and values, has now become an integral part of the NIA’s identity. On behalf of the entire organization, I sincerely thank you for helping us articulate a befitting motto for the National Investigation Agency.”
NIA letter to Dr. Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay | Image accessed by FPJ
Speaking with FPJ, Dr. Upadhyay revealed that a few months ago, NIA chief Sadanand Date had contacted him with a request to suggest a motto for the agency, which did not have one at the time.Date expressed his desire for a powerful and meaningful motto that would best represent the agency to the nation. Responding to this request, Dr. Upadhyay proposed, “राष्ट्ररक्षणम् आद्यकर्तव्यम्” (Protecting the Nation is the Foremost Duty).
“I had forgotten about it, but recently, I received a letter from Mr. Date expressing his gratitude. I am deeply honored and thankful to the NIA for considering my suggestion,” Dr. Upadhyay said. The NIA continues to tackle critical terror-related cases across India. Among its priorities is the crackdown on Khalistani extremism, focusing on financing and arms smuggling networks, including actions against entities linked to the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The agency is also investigating ISIS-inspired terror modules in Kerala and Karnataka, uncovering recruitment networks and planned attacks. In Jammu and Kashmir, the NIA is targeting the funding of terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba, with efforts to dismantle hawala channels supporting separatist activities.
The Pune ISIS conspiracy case has further underscored the depth of radicalization and operational planning for large-scale attacks. Beyond domestic threats, the NIA is probing attacks on Indian diplomatic establishments abroad, particularly in Canada and the UK. The agency is also examining the role of external forces and cross-border arms smuggling in fueling the violence in Manipur.
These investigations highlight the NIA’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s security, making its new motto, “राष्ट्ररक्षणम् आद्यकर्तव्यम्,” a fitting reflection of its mission.
