..reality, when calmly analysed and its consequences willingly accepted, loses much of its terror. - Jawaharlal Nehru

You don't change the course of history by turning the faces of portraits to the wall.

whatever happens in Pakistan, quite clearly our task in India is clear; we must pursue with even greater determination than in the past our efforts at forming a secular State in which men of all communities can walk with their heads high.

Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny. Now the time has come when we shall redeem our pledge - not wholly or in full measure - but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.