India has a legitimate right to becoming a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

If it's hard to remember, it'll be difficult to forget.

Well, you know, I'm the forever optimist.

I've heard all my life that 'this is impossible, you can't make' it and 'you're going to fail' but I didn't listen to them and I made it.

Discipline is what you use when you don't want to do something, when you have to force yourself.

I try to indulge my muse whenever I am able to get away from it all.

I believe that democracy is the best guarantor for peace and cooperation among nations.

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.'

For me, power was never an attraction.

My poet's heart gives me strength to face political problems, particularly those which have a bearing on my conscience.

People want government to deliver - here and now.

The prime minister's office is not something that one enjoys.

Let me make one thing clear. I have never considered mere survival in power as any achievement, just as I have never seen coming to power as an achievement in itself.

We have given up office, but not our responsibility to serve the nation. We have lost an election, but not our determination.

This power of democracy is a matter of pride for our country, something which we must always cherish, preserve and further strengthen.

Whatever understanding is reached with Pakistan has to be followed honestly, and everybody will have to rise above party politics and be actively committed to make India prosperous.