30+ Powerful Quotes By India’s Only Female Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

30+ Best Quotes by Indira Gandhi: Indira Gandhi, one of the most significant figures in Indian history, is the country's first and only female prime minister. She led India through its most difficult periods, including political and economic difficulties, and is renowned for her fearless and no-nonsense demeanour, bold decisions made under duress and a powerful leadership style. She was also a fantastic motivator and her stirring sayings continue to inspire people everywhere, inspiring women, young leaders and anyone pursuing lofty goals without giving up.

Despite years of her passing, her quotes keep encouraging people to dream big - yet act wisely. She always spoke about the nation’s unity, not just during rallies but in daily life. She reminds people to be fearless, disciplined, work hard, and treat everyone fairly. That’s something she never compromised on. Her vision carried more than policy - it held purpose. Understanding India meant seeing its soul, which she clearly did.

As India celebrates her birth anniversary on 19 November since 1917, here are more than 30 powerful and inspiring quotes by India’s only woman prime minister, Indira Gandhi, that reflect her vision for India and will make you believe in yourself. 

Indira Gandhi’s Quotes On Nation, Service, and Sacrifice 

1.  "Even if I died in the service of the nation, I would be proud of it. Every drop of my blood... will contribute to the growth of this nation and to make it strong and dynamic."

2.  "A nation's strength ultimately consists in what it can do on its own, and not in what it can borrow from others."

3.  "Winning or losing the election is less important than strengthening the country."

4.  "I have lived a long life, and I am proud that I spent the whole of my life in the service of my people."

5.  "I do not mind if my life goes in the service of this nation. If I die, every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation."

6.  "Martyrdom does not end something; it is only a beginning."

7.  "We would rather starve than sell our national honour."

8.  "My commitment is my symbol, my vision my standard, and for this vision, my commitment!"

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Quotes On Leadership, Action and Courage By Indira Gandhi

9.  "My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition."

10. "Have a bias toward action – let's see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away."

11. "Without courage, you cannot practice any other virtue."

12. "The meek may one day inherit the earth, but not the headlines."

13. "I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles, but today it means getting along with people."

14. "Opportunities are not offered. They must be wrestled and worked for. And this calls for perseverance... and courage."

15. "To become capable, one must have faith in oneself."

16. "I am not a person to be pressured by anybody or any nation."

Indira Gandhi’s Quotes On Peace, Diplomacy, and Humanity 

17. "You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."

18. "Peace we want because there is another war to fight—against poverty, disease and ignorance."

19. "Mankind will endure when the world appreciates the logic of diversity."

20. "I do not like carving the world into segments; we are one world."

21. "Without peace, all other dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes."

Quotes On Progress, Change and Intellectualism By Indira Gandhi

22. "The power to question is the basis of all human progress."

23. "Whenever you take a step forward, you are bound to disturb something."

24. "Every new experience brings its own maturity and a greater clarity of vision."

25. "Rebels and non-conformists are often the pioneers and designers of change."

26. "Education is a liberating force, and in our age it is also a democratizing force, cutting across the barriers of caste and class."

27. "The immediate is often the enemy of the ultimate."

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Indira Gandhi’s Best Quotes On Women, Life, and Personal Philosophy

28. "To be liberated, a woman must feel free to be herself, not in rivalry to man but in the context of her own capacity and her personality."

29. "You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose."

30. "People tend to forget their duties but remember their rights."

31. "Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave."

32. "The purpose of life is to believe, to hope, and to strive."