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Great Speeches

Limits on nuclear programme today will tie our hands in future: Vajpayee on India-US deal

On 3 August 2005, Atal Bihari Vajpayee spoke in Lok Sabha and warned that the India-US nuclear deal could compromise India's strategic autonomy in the long run.

There’s poison of regionalism, linguism in Maharashtra. Condemn & remove it: YB Chavan

On 12 June 1967, Maharashtra’s first CM and then-Union home minister YB Chavan spoke in the Lok Sabha, stressing on eradicating language-based discrimination in the state.

It’s curious even scientists discard spirit of science in daily life, become unscientific: Nehru

On 22 April 1950, PM Nehru spoke at the opening of the Fuel Research Institute in Dhanbad, urging India to see science as a force against conservatism and a tool to think and act freely.

Moksha, not motor cars—BR Shenoy’s idea of a truly Indian welfare state

In a 1957 lecture, free-market economist BR Shenoy warned that India's welfare state must stay rooted in Dharma, not drift toward consumerist excess.

Not missiles or sovereignty, but social unity is the true force behind foreign policy: PN Haksar

In 1974, PN Haksar delivered the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture on the evolution of India's foreign policy. Here's an excerpt from his speech.

Tamil people do not bow in shame, nor lower their head in defeat: M Karunanidhi on Tamil pride

On 15 September 1986, the DMK stalwart delivered a stirring address in Chennai, weaving poetry with politics, defending Tamil cultural heritage while reflecting on electoral defeats with unwavering pride.

Why public intellectuals don’t confront authority today: Romila Thapar

On 26 October 2014, professor Romila Thapar delivered the Third Nikhil Chakravartty Memorial lecture, reflecting on the eroding space for public intellectuals in India.

No place for armed liberation struggle in a democracy: P Chidambaram on Left-wing extremism

On 14 September 2009, then-home minister P Chidambaram spoke to senior police chiefs in New Delhi, outlining internal security threats such as Naxalism and insurgencies.

If Pakistan doesn’t halt aggression, India may be compelled to enter Pakistan: VK Menon at UN

On 23-24 January 1957, VK Krishna Menon delivered a historic speech at UN Security Council defending India’s position on Kashmir.

Pakistan knows cost of hostility. Our govt won’t tolerate incursion: Vajpayee during Kargil War

In May 1999, Pakistani troops crossed the Line of Control in Kargil, occupying strategic heights. On 7 June 1999, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed the nation, condemning Pakistan’s invasion and rallying India to defend its borders.

On Camera

Rahul’s ‘vote chori’ attack on EC is a political dead-end. He still has a point

The ECI needs to respond to Rahul Gandhi’s accusations professionally and transparently. Else, it will end up giving him the ammunition he is desperately seeking.

How mining, manufacturing & power sectors weighed on India’s industrial output since January 2024

India’s industrial output growth saw a 10-month low in June, with Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growing by mere 1.5% as against 1.9% in May 2025.

‘Next war may come sooner than expected, will require whole-of-nation approach’—Army chief

Gen Dwivedi framed Op Sindoor not just as retaliation to Pahalgam, but as demonstration of India’s capability to fight multi-domain conflicts with integration between services & agencies.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.