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Great Speeches

Don’t deride public sector. Evidence shows commercial banks in woeful state—Indira Gandhi

On 29 July 1969, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi delivered a speech in Lok Sabha on the nationalisation of 14 banks, saying the move was 'totally justified to ensure that hopes and aspirations of millions of our people are not sacrificed'.

When Vajpayee spoke to CII to allay fears—Let not Gujarat violence cloud the good in economy

On 27 April 2002, then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered a speech at the annual session of the Confederation of Indian Industry, assuring the completion of Golden Quadrilateral and telling businessmen how deep and strong the roots of Indian secularism are.

Muslims don’t want reservation. We want to merge in the nation–Tajamul Hussain

On 26 May 1949, Constituent Assembly member Tajamul Hussain argued against the idea of reservation for Muslims, adding that such measures would do ‘more harm than good’.

‘Trade, not aid’—Narasimha Rao’s 1991 reforms speech that changed India’s economic landscape

On 9 July 1991, then-PM PV Narasimha Rao addressed the nation days before the Budget presentation, admitting that the job of repairing India's sick economy won't be easy, quick, or smooth.

‘Until Scheduled Castes get pen and stick in their hands, they will continue to be killed’

On 4 April 1968, Bansgaon MP Molhu Prasad delivered a speech in the Lok Sabha on the atrocities against the Scheduled Castes and their negligible representation despite reservation.

Bahujans can create a casteless society only by becoming the rulers of India—Kanshi Ram

On 10 October 1998, Kanshiram addressed the First World Dalit Convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he spoke about the impossibility of caste annihilation. 'Caste is the creation of some people. And it is created with a purpose. That purpose still remains.'

See Ghazni, Ghori as plunderers, Razia, Sher Shah as ancestors—Lohia to Hindus, Muslims

On 3 October 1963, Ram Manohar Lohia spoke about the need for Hindus and Muslims unifying their perspective of the last 800 years of India's history.

Don’t punish people for untouchability. Use state propaganda instead — Dakshayani Velayudhan

On 29 November 1948, when the Constituent Assembly discussed untouchability, Dakshayani Velayudhan argued that the best way to address it was through sustained state propaganda.

Control religious teaching in schools. We can’t breed fanaticism–Purnima Banerji

On 30 August 1947, Constituent Assembly member Purnima Banerji moved to add a new paragraph in Clause 16 to promote comparative religious education in schools. But the move failed.

Feroze Gandhi speech that exposed LIC scam—it forced Nehru to order inquiry, FM to resign

On 16 December 1957, Lok Sabha MP Feroze Gandhi spoke how the Life Insurance Corporation invested nearly Rs 1.25 crore to help Calcutta-based stock speculator Haridas Mundhra who was in financial difficulties.

On Camera

Nobel committee, note how Trump allowed Munir to make nuclear threat against India from US soil

So far, India has responded to his threats with a measured, diplomatic, strategic, and multi-dimensional approach. Now, it needs to react firmly.

Modi’s ‘Diwali bonanza’ for the common man—next-gen GST reforms, lower tax on daily-use items soon

Finance ministry says the proposed revamp will focus on structural reforms, rate rationalisation & ease of living, & will be deliberated upon in the coming weeks.

What is Project Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Modi from ramparts of Red Fort

The project is meant to be a ‘protective shield that will keep expanding’, the PM said. It is on the lines of the ‘Golden Dome’ announced by Trump, it is learnt.

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.