The doctors shrugged their shoulders and grumbled that perhaps if I were to put on weight that would protect me a little - being so thin, I would never succeed in remaining pregnant.

I know you were surprised when, after the fall of Dacca, Pakistani and Indian officers shook hands. But do you realize that, up until 1965, in our army and the Pakistani one you could come across generals who were brothers? Blood brothers, sons of the same father and the same mother.

At no point, at a very important point: that of having convinced the Indians that they can do things.

Politics is the art of acquiring, holding, and wielding power.

In fact the communists gained strength in India when the people thought my party was moving to the right. And they were correct.

I am proud that I spent the whole of my life in the service of my people ... I shall continue to serve until my last breath and when I die, I can say, that every drop of my blood will invigorate India and strengthen it.

I refuse to indulge in small talk. And compliments, if at all, I save for after the job is done.