"God has also given the sense to control. He has given us intelligence which could be utilised both for good and bad. I am not saying it’s easy for people to adopt celibacy—very few can do it."

“To live a life of truth one has to suffer, but must suffer cheerfully”

“Is any serious crime committed without drinking? You see, if drinking were ruining only the man himself, then it wouldn’t matter so much. But, why have we introduced it in the constitution? It’s a crime against society as well. Take the case of ending your own life. Life is to live, therefore we’ve to discourage suicide. That doesn’t mean you can’t actually stop suicide, nobody can stop the actual act. Therefore, it’s only the unsuccessful attempt which is an offence.”

“A majority of Indians considered him an embodiment of obscurantism and obstinacy who espoused antediluvian, regressive and protectionist fiscal measures which sparked off an inflationary spiral in the Sixties.”

“Belief in God is a matter of personal conviction and faith.”

“He liked Jimmy Carter because according to him, “he’s one of the few world leaders who’s not a womaniser.”

“He was a staunch Gandhian, driven by the burning conviction that he had a selfless mission to accomplish.”