Indira Gandhi, the first and only female Prime Minister of India, was a powerful and influential leader. Born on November 19, 1917, she served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. Throughout her political career, Gandhi delivered some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking speeches.
Here are some of the best quotes by Indira Gandhi that continue to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds:
“You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose.”
Indira Gandhi emphasized the importance of finding balance in life. She believed in the power of stillness and reflection, even in the busiest of times. This quote serves as a reminder to take a step back and find peace within the chaos.
“Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave.”
Gandhi recognized that forgiveness requires great courage. Holding grudges and seeking revenge only perpetuate negativity. Choosing to forgive takes strength and allows for personal growth and healing.
“Have a bias towards action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.”
Indira Gandhi was known for her proactive approach to leadership. She encouraged others to take action and make progress, no matter how small. This quote serves as a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start taking steps towards achieving one’s goals.
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
Gandhi understood the importance of diplomacy and peaceful communication. This quote suggests that hostility and aggression only create more conflict, whereas open-mindedness and understanding lead to positive relationships and progress.
“Martyrdom does not end something, it only a beginning.”
Indira Gandhi’s willingness to sacrifice her life for her beliefs is evident in this quote. She understood that martyrdom is not an end in itself, but rather the catalyst for change. Her words inspire individuals to fight for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.
Indira Gandhi’s words continue to inspire and motivate people around the world. Her legacy as a visionary leader and champion of equality and justice lives on through her powerful quotes.
Inspiring Quotes by Indira Gandhi
“You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose.”
“Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave.”
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
“My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition.”
“The power to question is the basis of all human progress.”
| “A nation’s strength ultimately consists in what it can do on its own, and not in what it can borrow from others.” |
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
“You cannot oppress people who are not afraid anymore.”
“The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.”
“Even if I died in the service of the nation, I would be proud of it. Every drop of my blood… will contribute to the growth of this nation and to make it strong and dynamic.”
Empowering Quotes on Leadership by Indira Gandhi
“A nation’s strength ultimately consists in what it can do on its own, and not in what it can borrow from others.”
Indira Gandhi believed in the importance of self-reliance and highlighted the need for a nation to stand on its own feet. She encouraged leaders to focus on developing their own resources and capabilities, rather than relying on external assistance.
“You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose.”
Gandhi recognized the significance of balancing action and reflection in leadership. It is vital for leaders to find moments of stillness and introspection amidst the chaos and demands of their responsibilities, while also being fully engaged and energized when necessary.
“Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave.”
Gandhi believed in the power of forgiveness, as it requires strength and courage. She emphasized the importance of leaders showing compassion and understanding, even in the face of adversity, as it can lead to healing and reconciliation.
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
Indira Gandhi emphasized the importance of open communication and diplomacy. She recognized that a closed and aggressive approach is not productive in leadership or in building relationships. It is essential for leaders to be open-minded, willing to listen, and open to collaboration.
“Martyrdom does not end something, it is only a beginning.”
Gandhi believed that sacrifice and martyrdom do not mark the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter. She highlighted the transformative power of sacrifice for a cause and the potential for inspiring others to continue the struggle for justice and equality.
Quotes on Women’s Rights by Indira Gandhi
“To be liberated, woman must feel free to be herself, not in rivalry to man but in the context of her own capacity and her personality.”
“I believe that political power is necessary to bring economic equality to women. Just as man cannot live without a woman, so woman cannot live without a man. The one is necessary to the other. We are one, after all.”
“There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.”
“A nation’s strength ultimately consists in what it can do on its own, and not in what it can borrow from others. For women, empowerment comes from within, not from external validation.”
“Women have been oppressed for centuries, but we have the power to break free from these chains. Let us not be afraid to speak our minds and fight for our rights.”
“Women have the right to live their lives as they choose, to pursue their dreams and goals. We must create a society that empowers women and supports their aspirations.”
“The strength of a woman lies in her ability to persevere, to overcome challenges, and to stand up for what she believes in. Never underestimate the power of a determined woman.”
Quotes on Democracy and Freedom by Indira Gandhi
- “Democracy means tolerance and freedom for all.”
- “Democracy is not just a question of having a government, it is a question of having a well-run government.”
- “Freedom is the breath of life. Without it, life is a meaningless torture.”
- “The essence of democracy is its assurance that every human being should so respect himself and should be so respected in his own personality that he should have opportunity equal to that of every other human being to show what he was meant to become.”
- “Freedom is the most important thing in our lives. Without it, we cannot exist as human beings.”
- “Democracy allows us to express our opinions freely, to make choices, and to participate in the decisions that affect our lives.”
- “Freedom and democracy are not just words, they are ideals worth fighting for.”
- “Democracy provides us with the opportunity to shape our own destiny and create a better future for ourselves and our children.”
- “Freedom is the foundation upon which democracy is built. Without freedom, democracy cannot survive.”
- “Democracy and freedom go hand in hand. They are the foundation of a just and prosperous society.”
Quotes on Peace and Non-Violence by Indira Gandhi
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.”
“You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose.”
“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.”
“There are two ways of life, one is to live in accordance with nature, and the other is to destroy it.”
“Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.”
“Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice. It demands greater heroism than war.”
Quotes on Nation Building by Indira Gandhi
- “Nation-building is not about power or wealth; it is about creating a society where everyone has equal opportunities and can live with dignity.”
- “A nation is built not just by politicians and leaders, but by the collective efforts of its citizens.”
- “Nation-building requires strong institutions, rule of law, and a commitment to inclusive development.”
- “Building a nation is like building a house – it requires a strong foundation, careful planning, and constant maintenance.”
- “Nation-building is a continuous process that requires the active participation of every citizen.”
- “Progress and development are not just measured by economic growth, but by the well-being and happiness of the people.”
- “Nation-building is about empowering the marginalized and creating a society where no one is left behind.”
- “A strong and united nation is built on the principles of justice, equality, and social harmony.”
- “Nation-building is not a one-time task; it requires long-term vision, commitment, and dedication.”
- “The strength of a nation lies in its people, their resilience, and their ability to overcome challenges.”
Quotes on Education and Knowledge by Indira Gandhi
“Education is a liberating force, and in our age it is also a democratizing force, cutting across the barriers of caste and class, smoothing out inequalities imposed by birth and other circumstances.”
Education has the power to uplift and empower individuals, breaking down societal barriers and fostering equality.
“Literacy is not the end of education nor even the beginning. It is only one of the means by which man and woman can be educated. Literacy in itself is no education.”
Merely being able to read and write is not enough, true education goes beyond literacy and encompasses a deeper understanding of the world around us.
“Knowledge is power, and it can overcome any obstacle or challenge.”
Acquiring knowledge is a source of strength and enables individuals to overcome any obstacle or difficulty they may face.
“Education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about developing the ability to think critically and independently.”
Education should not only focus on the accumulation of facts, but also on nurturing the skills of critical thinking and independent thought.
“Education is the key to unlocking the golden door of freedom.”
Education provides the pathway to freedom, opening doors to opportunities and empowerment.
Memorable Quotes on Power and Politics by Indira Gandhi
“Political power is not an end, but a means to an end.”
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
“You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose.”
“There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.”
“To be a powerful woman, you don’t have to be aggressive or loud. You can be soft-spoken, yet strong.”
“Divide and rule is an old game, and what is true in India is true everywhere else.”
“Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”
“You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.”
“The power to question is the basis of all human progress.”
“The voice of the people is the voice of God.”