Lal Bahadur Shastri

“We must fight for peace bravely as we fought in war.”

“There has no doubt to be fundamental research in science, but applied research is equally important for new improvements and changes in our techniques.”

“I tremble when I am reminded of the fact that I have to be in charge of this country and Parliament, which had been led by no less a person than Jawaharlal Nehru.”

“Discipline and united action are the real source of strength for the nation.”

“Our country has often stood like a solid rock in the face of common danger, and there is a deep underlying unity which runs like a golden thread through all our seeming diversity.”

“We believe in peace in the settlement of all disputes through peaceful means, in the abolition of war, and, more particularly, nuclear war.”

“I am not as simple as I look.”

“We believe in peace and peaceful development, not only for ourselves but for people all over the world.”

“If Pakistan has any ideas of annexing any part of our territories by force, she should think afresh. I want to state categorically that force will be met with force and aggression against us will never be allowed to succeed.”

“No doubt we have to have bigger projects, bigger industries, basic industries, but it is a matter of the highest importance that we look to the common man, the weakest element in the society.”

“Non-alignment will continue to be the fundamental basis of our approach to world problems and our relations with other countries.”

“We are a very big and vast Government, and naturally, every ministry is becoming bigger and bigger. It becomes, therefore, essential that there should be proper coordination.”

“India will have to hang down her head in shame if even one person is left who is said in any way to be untouchable.”

“There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the crossroads of history and must choose which way to go.”

“We believe in freedom, freedom for the people of each country to follow their destiny without external interference.”

“We cannot afford to spend millions and millions over nuclear arms when there is poverty and unemployment all around us.”

“The unique thing about our country is that we have Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, and people of all other religions. We have temples and mosques, gurdwaras and churches. But we do not bring all this into politics... This is the difference between India and Pakistan.”

“We would consider it our moral duty to lend all support to the ending of colonialism and imperialism so that people everywhere are free to mould their own destiny.”

“It is most regrettable that nuclear energy is being harnessed for making nuclear weapons.”

“We can win respect in the world only if we are strong internally and can banish poverty and unemployment from our country.”