Atal Bihari Vajpayee

“I dream of an India that is prosperous, strong and caring. An India, that regains a place of honour in the comity of great nations.”

“Poverty is multidimensional. It extends beyond money incomes to education, health care, political participation and advancement of one's own culture and social organisation.”

“India was secular even when Muslims hadn't come here and Christians hadn't set foot on this soil. It is not as if India became secular after they came. They came with their own modes of worship, and they, too, were given a place of honor and respect. They had the freedom to worship God as per their wish and inclination.”

“India helped Bangladesh to achieve independence. The Bangladeshis should remain happy inside the territory of their own country.”

“Empowering the individual means empowering the nation. And empowerment is best served through rapid economic growth with rapid social change.”

“My message to the people and rulers of Pakistan is, 'As neighbours, we want peace and friendship and cooperation with you so that together we can change the face of South Asia.'”

“You can change friends but not neighbours.”