I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.

I should tie myself to no particular system of society other than of socialism.

Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward.

A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour. It must enjoy the protection of the constitution, so that it can protect our rights as citizens.

There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal trimuph if you have the iron will and the neccessary skill.

Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.

When I walked out of the gate I knew that if I continued to hate these people I was still in prison.