Lal Bahadur Shastri

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

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.

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

The speed with which we in the Congress are going down is sometimes frightening. Government administration in the districts is rapidly reaching a low level. No strong opposition party has been able to emerge.

Our way is straight and clear - the building up of a socialist democracy at home, with freedom and prosperity for all, and the maintenance of world peace and friendship with all nations abroad.

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.

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.

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

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

We have to surmount the difficulties that face us and work steadfastly for the happiness and prosperity of our country.

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

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

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