Portrait of Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi

Indian PM

Modern influential 86 sayings

Sayings by Indira Gandhi

My dreams are not for me, but for India.

Uncertain — Interview/Speech
Inspirational Unverifiable

The only revolution that is worthwhile is the one that transforms the human heart.

Uncertain — Speech/Writing
Political Unverifiable

When you are in power, you must be prepared to make unpopular decisions.

Uncertain — Interview/Speech
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

The greatest challenge before us is to build a new India that is strong, prosperous, and just.

Uncertain — Speech/Writing
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

I am not afraid of anyone. I am not afraid of anything.

Uncertain — Interview/Speech
Wisdom Unverifiable

The courage to think differently is what makes a leader.

Uncertain — Speech/Writing
Inspirational Unverifiable

The only way to solve problems is to face them head-on.

Uncertain — Speech/Writing
Wisdom Unverifiable

I have no personal enemies, but I have many political adversaries.

Uncertain — Interview/Speech
Political Unverifiable

The greatest strength of a nation lies in its unity.

Uncertain — Speech/Writing
Inspirational Unverifiable

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.

1960s-1980s — Attributed in various speeches, possibly apocryphal
Wisdom Confirmed

Even if I died in the service of the nation, I would be proud of it.

1980 — Speech during political unrest
Wisdom Unverifiable

I am not a person to be pressured—by anybody or any nation.

1971 — Response to US criticism during the 1971 war
Wisdom Unverifiable

The meek may one day inherit the earth, but not the headlines.

Unknown — General quote
General Confirmed

There exists no politician in India daring enough to attempt to explain to the masses that cows can be eaten.

Unknown — General quote
Food & Drink Unverifiable

Happiness is a state of mind, you know. I don't think you are permanently happy. One is happy about certain things and not so happy about others.

Unknown — General quote
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

If I died a violent death, as some fear and a few are plotting, I know that the violence will be in the thought and the action of the assassins, not in my dying.

Unknown, prior to 1984 — General quote, often cited in relation to her assassination
Food & Drink Unverifiable

Martyrdom does not end something, it is only a beginning.

1980 — Speech after the assassination of her son Sanjay Gandhi
General Confirmed

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.

1984 — Speech
War & Violence Confirmed

I suppose I am a little old-fashioned. I believe in the simple things, like honesty and hard work.

1970s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Ability is not the monopoly of any single race or country or of any one class in society.

1970s — Speech
General Unverifiable
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