Over an extended period of time, if a culture does not entail any traditions...if there are no values or if there is no awareness or social consciousness...a heritage tradition can never be developed.

We must together build an economic agenda for the India of our dreams that translates into improved standards of living, increased human well-being and assured social justice.

India is a country of 1.25 billion people. We can't run our country if we get worried about every small thing. At the same time, we can't close our eyes to problems. That's why India maintains that we are now in a different era. We are not living in the eighteenth century. China is also a country with an ancient cultural heritage. Look at how it has focused on economic development. It's hardly the sign of a country that wants to be isolated. It wants to stay connected.

The India-Nepal border should not be a barrier but a bridge which helps bring prosperity to both sides.

Reforms are not an end in itself. Reforms must have a concrete objective.

Mere good governance is not enough; it has to be pro-people and pro-active. Good governance is putting people at the center of development process.

Good governance needs self-discipline. Only discipline within can ensure discipline without.