"I can’t say I have shed it completely. I have certainly given it up, up to 95 per cent. I believe until and unless I give up my ego, I can’t realise God. My whole ambition in life is to realise God or truth, whatever you may want to call it. Do you believe in God? It’s a fashion not to believe in God."

“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.”