FEBRUARY 26, 2010

By Vijay Kumar

Concluding words of wisdom from Budget Speeches

EVEN as the budget speeches are listened to with rapt attention, finance Ministers and their speech makers spare no effort to make a very effective concluding statement that should attract thundering applause at least from the treasury benches and now a days should be good bytes for the media. Here is a sample of the last lines of wit and wisdom of very serious finance ministers right from independence.

R.K. SHANMUKHAM CHETTY - November 26, 1947: If the fabric of the State is not built on durable foundations, it will be futile to try and fill it with the material and moral contents of a good life. If India, just risen from bondage, is to realise her destiny as the leader of Asia and take her place in the front rank of free nations, she would require all the disciplined effort her sons can put forth in the years immediately ahead. The willing help and co-operation of all sections of the community is required in maintaining peace and order, in increasing production and in avoiding internecine quarrels whether between communities or between capital and labour. I am sure my appeal for this help and co-operation will not go in vain.

R.K. SHANMUKHAM CHETTY - February 28, 1948: From August 15th, 1947, the chains of our bondage have been broken and we are free to translate our dreams into reality. The plans are there but we find that our freedom was born in an era so fluid and fast changing that any predetermined step other than the next became obsolete before it could be taken. We feel like the pilgrim who drags his weary limbs finally to the mountain top only to find higher peaks stretching before his eyes. It is by no means the journey's end and the night falls and engulfs him in darkness. And like him we are inspired to pray in the spirit of the favourite hymn of Mahatma Gandhi - Lead Kindly Light. The next step is enough for us if it is illuminated by the star of our ambition and fortified by the faith in our destiny.

JOHN MATHAI - February 28, 1949: A balanced national budget may and often does, cover a multitude of ill balanced family budgets. In this respect, we have still a formidable task ahead of us, the task of fighting want, sickness and poverty and raising the living standards of the minions to whom the emancipation of the country will be a mockery unless it is translated in terms of opportunities for a fuller, freer and better life. This task is not beyond our resources but it requires the co-operation of all classes and sections of the community in a spirit of partnership in a high adventure. I have no doubt that this co-operation will be forthcoming and I pray that my stewardship of the finances of the country may contribute in some degree to the accomplishment of this task.

JOHN MATHAI - February 28, 1950: Sir, I must apologise also for the unconventional character of my speech. There my excuse is that I have always held that a Government Budget in the last analysis is a human document in the sense that it involves and has reactions upon the experiences and the emotions of multitudes of men and women all over the country. I think therefore it to appropriate that its presentation to the people's representatives in Parliament should be somewhat less impersonal than has been customary with us hitherto.

C.D. DESHMUKH February 28, 1951: I have been greatly heartened in this task by a recent communication which I have received from an ordinary villager, who is neither in business nor in service, which I would venture to mention to the House. It is from one who at present pays no tax to any authority, Central, State or local. He says that he has a burning desire to help the Government of India in some way or the other. He has remitted a sum of five rupees to me and has promised to remit a similar sum every year. It is not the small amount that he has offered but the spirit behind the offer that matters and, so long as the common run of our people can produce men and women with this spirit, this country can face the future, however difficult it may be, with confidence.

C.D. DESHMUKH - May 23, 1952: The edifice of our prosperity cannot be built on props of outside assistance without sacrificing something vital in the nation's spirit but can rebuilt enduringly only by the efforts of our own people. If the budgetary burdens are sometimes found to be irksome, I trust those who find it so in this House and outside will remember that we carry these burdens for ourselves and our children and not for some one else. I have no doubt that the realisation that the people of this country are doing the utmost in their power to help themselves will widen the flow of assistance from our friends outside.

C.D. DESHMUKH - February 27, 1953: The fulfilment of a programme of planned economic development depends not merely on the laying down of policies and making the finance available but on efficient administration and public co-operation. The Five-Year Plan which, in the nature of things, is bound to be the first of many more Plans, lays down the policy for the next three years in each major field of development. -

C.D. DESHMUKH February 27, 1954: No idea of the vast upsurge in the national life can be conveyed by translating all this in terms of money or compressing it into a classified table of estimates and expenditures. The face of the country is changing and changing for the better.

C.D. DESHMUKH - February 28th, 1955: I myself have been receiving from small people, sometimes students who wish to remain anonymous, small contributions towards the Plan. It is to me personally sustaining and heartening experience and if the spirit behind this continues to animate the people as whole, we can look forward with confidence to the successful implementation of this and of future plans.

C.D. DESHMUKH - February 29, 1956: It is these people, sir, that have now girt their loins and stand ready to launch forth on their new, and so far their greatest, endeavour. They can rightfully expect us, their chosen leaders and representatives, to give them of our best counsels, loyal guidance and informed direction. -

T.T. KRISHNAMACHARI - November 30, 1956: I am convinced that they do wrong who express skepticism at a time when the country ought to be thinking of nothing else but going ahead with the greatest determination. The Plan is a challenge, and it is a challenge which must be met with all the resources and ingenuity at our command. -

T.T. KRISHNAMACHARI - May 15, 1957: A heavy responsibility rests on us all at this juncture, and I have presented to the House an approach in terms of policies and of proposals which is to the best of my judgement appropriate to this responsibility. I hope when the time comes for someone to judge whether we rose to the occasion or not, we shall have to our credit a record worthy of this House and of the nation.

JAWAHAR LAL NEHRU - February 28, 1958: This budget statement is a minor event in our march forward. We have to look at it in the perspective of what we have to do and what we have to achieve, Above all, we have to realise that our success depends on ourselves and not on others, on our own strength and wisdom, on our unity and cooperation and on the spirit of our people whom we are privileged to serve. -

MORARJI R. DESAI February 28, 1959: The annual budget is now something more than a simple account of Government's housekeeping. Each budget marks a stage in the country's continuous development and has to be judged by the contribution it makes to this development.

MORARJI R. DESAI February 29, 1960: It is perhaps a truism to say that no one, much less an under-developed country like ours, can stand still or stay stagnant. We have to move forward and make whatever sacrifices are necessary for this. I have no doubt that this will be done and I would ask the House to consider the budget, which I am placing before it, against this background.

MORARJI R. DESAI - FEBRUARY 28, 1961: We have chosen for ourselves certain social and economic goals. We must do our utmost to achieve them. This will mean hard work and sacrifices for some time to come. But there is promise of a rich reward in the shape of higher standards of living, more employment opportunities and a better socio-economic system. The tasks that we have undertaken are of great moment for the future of the country. We dare not falter at this crucial stage. -

MORARJI R. DESAI - April 23, 1962: Higher levels of taxation no doubt impose a burden of sacrifice on our people. The point to remember is that there are only two alternatives to such taxation, inflation or stagnation. Without the requisite tax effort we would have to face either an upsurge of prices which would impose a much bigger and much less equitable burden on the community, or a prolongation of our poverty due to a slowing down of our development. It is against this background that I would ask the House to consider and support my budget proposals.

MORARJI R.DESAI - : February 28, 1963: I have endeavoured, in doing so, to be fair and constructive to the best of my ability. I only hope that in time, the determination of the people in meeting the challenge that confronts us would make it possible for us to turn our energies even more vigorously to the pursuit of peace, freedom and progress with justice, to which this nation is dedicated. -

T.T. KRISHNAMACHARI - February 29, 1964: But above all, we must prepare ourselves for shouldering ever-increasing responsibilities in the sphere of development, social justice and social security where, despite what has been done so far, the road ahead is long and arduous. Sir, I hope that in framing my budget proposals, I have been able, at least in some measure, to keep my gaze fixed at this distant and difficult goal even as we prepare for meeting the requirements of the immediate future.

T.T. KRISHNAMACHARI - February 27, 1965: In conclusion 1 would appeal to Honourable Members and to all those affected by our tax system that they should treat the present Budget as an earnest of our desire to put the tax structure in this country on an enduring and rational basis.

The IND ERA begins

SACHINDRA CHAUDHURI - February 28, 1966: Our current needs, the claims of the Fourth Plan and the ever-increasing threat to our national security add up to a challenge which has to be met squarely and with a resolute heart. I can only hope that I have succeeded in presenting proposals which carry forward the process of rationalising our tax-structure while responding to the paramount need for raising progressively higher revenues for sustaining the dynamism and soundness of the economy.

MORARJI R. DESAI May 25, 1967: I cannot conclude my presentation of the Budget without sharing with you, Sir, and the Honourable House a sentiment of optimism in this that we are together and determined to change our fiscal climate for the better. In whatever walk of life, in field or farm, factory or workshop, in offices or Parliament, Sir, I earnestly invite every citizen of our country to share with us in this House the task of building a more prosperous and happier India, truly free from fear and from want.

MORARJI R.DESAI, : February 29, 1968: Our aspirations and hopes for economic well-being and a higher standard of living for millions of our people lie in accelerating the tempo of development. But this has to be done without generating further inflationary pressures, and on the basis of a realistic assessment of the resources that can be mobilized in a non-inflationary manner.

MORARJI R.DESAI, ; February 28, 1969: No Finance Minister can claim either perfect foresight or absolute wisdom. But I do feel that the situation is as hopeful as it is challenging. The utmost co-operation, discipline and even a measure of self-denial by all sections of the community will be necessary if we are to meet the challenge.

INDIRA GANDHI February 28, 1970: It will require the disciplined participation of every section of the community and every region of the country. Only so we can carry this great nation forward in the struggle against mans poverty which is as rewarding as it is arduous. I can only hope that the Budget I have had the honour to present makes a modest contribution towards this end.

Y.B.CHAVAN May 28, 1971: Sir, before I conclude, I should like to say that in presenting my first Budget to this Honourable House, I have become acutely aware of the challenges as well as the constraints of the contemporary-epoch of development of our national economy. ……If the requirements of growth are urgent, so is the need for some selective measures of social welfare. The fiscal system has also to serve the ends of greater equality of Incomes, consumption and wealth, irrespective of any immediate need for resources. At the same time, the needs of these sectors of our economy which require private Initiative and Investment must also be kept in mind in the interest of the growth of the economy as a whole. I can only hope that the proposals I have just presented steer clear of the opposite dangers of venturing too little or attempting too much.

Y.B. CHAVAN December 13, 1971: It is hardly possible to claim that a new social and economic order can be ushered in through budgetary policy alone, much less through a single Budget. In a Budget of this magnitude it is also difficult to reconcile all the objectives we have set before ourselves. But I hope I have not flinched from the duty of trying to meet the immediate and urgent requirements while furthering our accepted objective of a truly socialist society.

Y.B.CHAVAN : March 24, 1971: Honourable Members, I am sure, would agree that the measures I have proposed will strengthen the economy in meeting the present challenge. The heroism and valour of our men in the Army, Navy and the Air Force and in other para-military forces demand a similar dedication on the part of all of us to contribute our utmost to the defence effort.

SHRI Y.B.CHAVAN March 16, 1972: The vitality of the political freedom we won and of the democratic institutions we gave ourselves has been demonstrated in recent weeks as never before. We are now engaged in a new struggle against poverty and injustice. I have no doubt that the people of India will once again prevail and we shall witness soon a new dawn of social and economic freedom in this great and ancient country.

Y.B.CHAVAN February 28,1973 : Some of my tax proposals will also serve other objectives such as self-reliance. It is in this sense that I spoke at the outset of quickening the mutually reinforcing process of growth, social justice, self-reliance, investment and resource mobilization. I can only hope that taken in their entirety, the Budget proposals will take the economy one stage forward in its march towards our cherished goals.

Y.B.CHAVAN February 28, 1974: As I see it the budget for 1973-74 represents another major effort on the part of this Government to get the country moving towards the goal of an expanding self-reliant economy based on social justice.

Y.B.CHAVAN July 31, 1974: In the year ahead lie more sources of uncertainty than ever before, which must be tackled speedily and with flexibility. I would, however, like to say that we do not propose to allow these uncertainties to blur our vision of the future. The social and economic problems that we currently face can be resolved in the long run only in the frame-work of a rapidly expanding economy with socialist objectives. I trust this budget is one more step in that direction.

C.SUBRAMANIAM February 28, 1975: The presentation of fresh taxation proposals is not an ordinary event. The economic compulsions of the current situation do not leave us with any really viable alternatives. It is in this perspective I would wish the House to view and to judge these proposals.

C.SUBRAMANIAM March 15, 1976: The effectiveness of the measures proposed in achieving the goals that we have set for ourselves will, however, depend in large measure m the willingness of the different sections of the community to contribute their utmost to the common endeavour. Let us all then, in Government, the Legislature and outside, rededicate ourselves to this national cause at this juncture and conduct ourselves with that discipline and determination which the occasion demands.

H.M.PATEL June 17, 1977: There is a tide in the affairs of nations, as of men, which taken at the flood leads on to fortune. The nation is at the crest of such a tide. The economy is poised for a surge forward. The Emergency and the New Economic Programme have ushered in a qualitative change in the economic environment. We must now take advantage of the favourable factors and inject a new dynamism to programmes of economic and social development. In framing these proposals, I have been guided by our cherished national goal, enunciated by the Father of the Nation, of ensuring sufficiency for all and superfluity for none.

H.M.PATEL March 28, 1977: But liberty does not mean freedom to starve and freedom to feel unwanted. Large-scale poverty and unemployment degrade those who have to suffer them, and debase those who tolerate them. We owe it to ourselves to see that these twin scourges are eradicated as quickly as possible. We have a long and a difficult road ahead of us. But there can be no doubt about our commitment to our goals and ideals. I believe we are on the right course and this Budget represents the first step, however small, in that direction.

H.M. PATEL February 28, 1978: It is the will of the people of India as expressed unequivocally at the Polls, that there is an urgent need to redirect our economic policies and priorities so as to ensure that economic growth subserves the objective of speedy eradication of poverty and unemployment, and a progressive reduction in inequalities of income and wealth. The House may rest assured that we shall keep our faith with the people. The task ahead is formidable, but with the willing support and goodwill of the people, we are confident that we shall achieve our objective.

The economic situation of the country is exceptionally favourable at present for a bold step forward. This Budget is such a step.

CHARAN SINGH February 28, 1979: The ultimate objective is not merely to raise the standard of living of the poor but to build a society of men and women with skills, resources, imagination, and above all, hope. I like to think that this budget is a small step in that direction. But its success really depends upon a national consensus about the desirability of the objective and the need to work hard for it and a willingness on the part of the powerful and affluent sections of society to make the necessary sacrifices. I seek the help of this House in achieving such a consensus and securing the required sacrifices.

R. VENKATARAMAN (June 18, 1980): My Budget represents a modest contribution to the process of restoring the country's economy to the path of stability, growth and social justice. Its success, however, depends upon the cooperation of all people who work in the fields or factories, power stations or ports, railways or coal mines. The people of this country have high hopes about the ability of the present Government to achieve these goals and I am sure will be prepared to give their whole hearted support in this task. It should be the common endeavour of all of us, rising above partisan prejudices and passions to harness the people's enthusiasm for the tasks of development.

R.VENKATARAMAN (FEBRUARY 28, 1981): Mr. Speaker, Sir, the economic situation remains difficult and yet full of great opportunities for development and growth. I have tried to present a Budget which gives maximum support to forces that can move us forward on the path of growth with stability and social justice. It sets the stage for all of us to work towards the achievement of our economic and social goals so clearly laid out in the Sixth Plan. Economic policy can only do this much. Hard work, discipline and the innate good sense of the people of this ancient land must do the rest.

PRANAB MUKHERJEE - (FEBRUARY 27, 1982): Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have set forth a framework of policies with a view to encouraging higher savings, investment and production in the economy. Plan outlays are being stepped up substantially, particularly for sectors emphasized in the 20-Point Programme. Adequate provision has been made for national security. Despite these commitments, the budgetary deficit has been contained within reasonsable limits. To achieve this, a measure of resource mobilisation was inescapable. I have, however, taken care to see that resources are raised without building new inflationary pressures. In particular, I have tried to avoid placing burdens on the low and middle income groups. The Budget constitutes a challenge to all those who are associated with the implementation of our development plan. It is an invitation to farmers, industry and labour for higher productivity; to the trading community for ensuring healthy marketing and distribution; and, indeed, to all our people, soldiers and civilians, to march forward shoulder to shoulder in the twin tasks of national development and defence.

PRANAB MUKHERJEE (February 28, 1983); Mr. Speaker, there are no easy answers or short-cuts to development problems faced by India. Whether we, as a nation, succeed or fail must ultimately depend on the quality of our economic management and the cooperation of our people. Given the resilience and dedication of our people, we can face the future with hope and confidence.

PRANAB MUKHERJEE [February 29, 1984]: Four years ago, my distinguished predecessor, while presenting the first Budget of the present Government, had expressed our firm resolve to repair the damage and restore the country's economy to the path of stability, growth and social justice. Mr. Speaker, we have kept that promise.

VISHWANATH PRATAP SINGH [16th March, 1985]: Let me end, Mr. Speaker, as I began, with the words of the late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi: “We all have faith in new India. Let us put our shoulder to the wheel”.

VISHWANATH PRATAP SINGH February 28, 1986: New schemes are being introduced for the benefit of rickshaw pullers, cobblers, sweepers, porters and others among the urban disadvantaged groups. Interest rates on Provident Fund contributions is being increased for the benefit of workers and the self-employed. I have provided tax relief to the fixed income groups. And I have given incentives for import substitution and export promotion, besides introducing several measures for rationalisation.

This Budget is just one step forward. Finally, in the immortal words of Mahatma Gandhi:

“In times to come the people will not judge us by the creed we profess, or the label we wear, or the slogans we shout but by our work, industry, sacrifice ........”

RAJIV GANDHI February 28, 1987: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am conscious of the enormous challenges that confront our economy. Some are inherent in the process of planned development in a democracy. But some are in the nature of a price that we have to pay for pursuing an independent foreign policy. The people of India have asserted their independence and willingly accepted these burdens. Their heroic exertions, their sacrifices, and their unshakable confidence in their capacity to build the India of their dreams are a source of strength, inspiration and direction to me. Let us move forward with determination.

NARAYAN DATT TIWARI February 29, 1988: Let us be proud of what all of us together have been able to do and if there are inadequacies or deficiencies, let us overcome them collectively. Let us all join in the exciting task of India's economic development and do so by making it a common fraternal partnership of the entire Indian people. As our Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi said a couple of months ago:

“Our socialism is our own. It is not a foreign transplant. It is not cast in someone else's ideological mould. It is rooted in our own history, our culture, our realities. Gandhiji enjoined us to work for the Daridra Narayan, to wipe every tear from every eye. This constitutes the moral imperative of our socialism.”

This is also the message that this Budget seeks to convey.

S.B. CHAVAN [28 February, 1989]: The question is who will make such sacrifices for future growth and prosperity. The answer of these budget proposals is clear and categorical. It is the relatively affluent who will have to share a larger burden so that the weaker and vulnerable sections of society may share in the fruits of growth.

A new ERA begins:

Manmohan Singh - 24th July, 1991: Sir, I do not minimise the difficulties that lie ahead on the long and arduous journey on which we have embarked. But as Victor Hugo once said, “no power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” I suggest to this august House that the emergence of India as a major economic power in the world happens to be one such idea. Let the whole world hear it loud and clear. India is now wide awake. We shall prevail. We shall overcome. With these words, I commend the budget to this august House.

Manmohan Singh 29th February, 1992: True to this heritage, we commit ourselves to providing a firm and purposeful sense of direction to the reform process so that this ancient land of India regains its glory and rightful place in the comity of nations. This budget represents a contribution to the successful implementation of this great national enterprise, of building an India free from the fear of war, want and exploitation, an India worthy of the dreams of the founding fathers of our republic. We shall pay any price, bear any burden, make any sacrifice to realise those dreams. India is on the move again. We shall make the future happen.

Manmohan Singh 27th February, 1993: As Swami Vivekananda used to say there is an element of divinity in each human being. We have to create an environment in which this divine potentiality can be mobilised for building a strong economy and a just society. This is the challenge that our political system must face squarely. I venture to think that this budget focusses the nation's attention on this imperative task

Manmohan Singh 28th February, 1994: Thanks to the magnificent leadership provided by the Prime Minister Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, we have been successful in reversing the adverse tide in our fortunes. However, the task of national reconstruction is by no means over.

Let us strive tirelessly, as the great poet Rabindranath Tagore said in his prayer, to build an India where “the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit”. May we be worthy of this noble task and of this ancient and sacred land of India.

Manmohan Singh 15th March, 1995: As I see it, India is on the threshold of unprecedented opportunities provided we have the wisdom to seize them. We have made a good beginning but there is still a vast unfinished agenda. It is a time for rededication and reaffirmation of our collective solemn resolve to work tirelessly for building a new India worthy of the dreams of the founding fathers of our Republic, an India which will enable our children and grand children to lead a life of dignity and self respect, to take pride in being Indian and to grapple effectively with the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Manmohan Singh : February 28, 1996: Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is the last session of the present Lok Sabha. Soon, our people will be called upon to exercise their sovereign democratic right to choose the next Government. Undoubtedly, their choice will have a profound bearing on the future of our polity and the well being of our children and our grand children. Time and again, the Indian people have shown that they can be relied upon to make sound and sensible decisions. I have every reason to believe that when the time comes, our people will be discriminating enough to recognise the friendly hand that alone can help our nation to move forward on the road to peace and prosperity and preserve its unity and integrity.

P. Chidambaram : July 27, 1996: I believe that our economy is on a high growth curve. Wisdom dictates that we remain on that curve. In order to do so, we need more reforms, not less. We need more resources, not less. We need more discipline, not less. And we need more compassion, not less. If we remain true to the Common Minimum Programme, we shall overcome our difficulties and take India to the frontline of the nations of the world. This budget, my maiden effort, attempts to blend I hope in the right proportions courage and compassion, reform and restraint and growth and social justice.

P. Chidambaram February 28, 1997: India's economy has also reached a new stage. Our beloved India is far stronger today than she was six years ago. I would appeal to this House, and to the Indian people to heed the call of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore: Desha desha nadita kari mandrita tabha bheri, Aashilo jata birabrinda aashana tabha gheri. Deen aagata oyi, Bharat tabu kayi? Shay ki rahila lupta aaji shaba-jana-paschatay? Louk bishwakarmabhar mili shabar shathay (Thy call has sped over all countries of the world And men have gathered around thy seat. The day is come; but where is India? Does she still remain hidden, lagging behind? Let her take up her burden and march with all.)

Yashwant Sinha : June 1, 1998: Sir, it is my firm conviction that in the days to come India will stand tall on the world's stage because of our commitment to democracy and the pursuit of prosperity. I call upon you to join us to strengthen freedom and opportunity, I call upon you to join us to build a better future for every man, woman and child. As we move together and with discipline, the future is ours. In the words of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar:

Rise O' warrior march ahead undaunted You are the Creator of future history The stars of the dark night are fading The whole sky belongs to you.

Yashwant Sinha February 27, 1999: In the words of the Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee - With dreams of prosperity and marching at a stormy pace, the tide of patriotism will not recede. Let the courageous come forward to join me.

Yashwant Sinha February 29, 2000: Sir, the millennium has heralded the arrival of the Indian economy on the global stage. In two short years, we have shown that Indian talent and Indian effort is second to none. In two short years we have ensured that “made in India” is a compliment for any product or service. In two short years we have sent notice to the world that India will be an economic superpower in the 21st century. The world's eyes are now upon us, and we will deliver.

Yashwant Sinha February 28, 2001: This is a budget for carrying forward the second generation of economic reforms. This is a budget for growth. This is a budget for equity with efficiency. This is a budget for a new deal to the people of India in the new millennium.

Yashwant Sinha February 28, 2002: Mr. Speaker Sir, this is a budget for consolidating, widening and deepening the reform process. This is a budget devoted to development. This is a budget to further promote partnership with the States for a better tomorrow for the people of India.

Jaswant Singh February 28, 2003: Let me end, Mr. Speaker, by reiterating that this Budget is of an “India that is on the move.” An India, that now rapidly advances to prosperity. It is about an India that banishes poverty, and builds on its great resource base, the strength of its human capital and the immense reservoir of its knowledge.

P. Chidambaram July 8, 2004: Mr. Speaker, Sir. The countries of the world, India included, have set for themselves the Millennium Development Goals. Our date with destiny is not at the end of the millennium, but in the year 2015. Will we achieve those goals? In the eleven years that remain, it is in our hands to shape our destiny. Progress is not always on a linear path, nor is it inevitable. Two thousand years ago, Saint Tirvalluvar said:

“Aran Izhukkathu Allavai Neeki Maran Izhukka Maanam Udayathu Arasu”

(They are good rulers who observe ethics, commit no crime and walk the path of honour and courage)

If we bring thought and passion to our governance, and walk the path of honour and courage, we can make the future happen. And this century will be India's century.

P. Chidambaram February 28, 2005: This Budget, Mr Speaker, is an attempt to lay down a path in which growth and equity will reinforce each other and build a new India.

P. Chidambaram February 28, 2006: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I believe that the world has recognized the potential of India. It is now for us, the generation to which has been given the privilege of carrying the torch, to rediscover the greatness of this country and the potential of its people. The young people of India are building castles, it may appear that those castles are in the air, but as Henry David Thoreau said: "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." It is our duty to put the foundations on which the young can build their castles. The UPA Government has pledged itself to that task.

Over a hundred years ago, a restless young man in his quest for the core of all spirituality admonished his fellow men in the following words: "We reap what we sow. We are the makers of our own fate. The wind is blowing; those vessels whose sails are unfurled catch it, and go forward on their way, but those which have their sails furled do not catch the wind. Is that the fault of the wind?....... We make our own destiny." Those are the immortal words of Swami Vivekananda. Let us believe in our destiny, let us make our future.

P. Chidambaram February 28, 2007: Mr. Speaker, Sir, our human and gender development indices are low not because of high growth but because growth is not high enough. Faster economic growth has given us, once again, the opportunity to unfurl the sails and catch the wind. Without growth, I could not have given a new thrust to agriculture. I could not have given relief to the small tax payer, the small service provider and to small scale industry. I could not have promised 100,000 scholarships or 100,000 jobs for the physically challenged. I could not have promised a massive ground water recharge programme or social security for rural landless households.

As Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate, said, "Faster growth rate is essential for faster reduction in poverty. There is no other trick to it."

P. Chidambaram - 29th February, 2008: Our work in Government is, every day and every hour, a discovery of the path to reach our goals: full employment, abolition of poverty and elimination of inequality. "These goals can only be achieved by a considerable increase in national income and our economic policy must, therefore, aim at plenty and equitable distribution. We must produce wealth, and then divide it equitably. How can we have a welfare state without wealth?" Those are not my words; they were uttered in 1955 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Although Jawaharlal Nehru did not use the phrase inclusive growth, he actually spelt out the conditions for inclusive growth. Those words will guide the UPA Government. As always, I turned to my muse, Saint Tiruvalluvar, for guidance and reassurance. 2,000 years ago he set the benchmark for good governance in the following immortal words:

"Kodai Ali Sengol Kudi Ombal Nangum

Udaiyanam Vendharkku Oli"

[Generous grants, compassion, righteous rule

and succour to the downtrodden

Are the hallmarks of good governance]

We have tried to remain true to this philosophy. The four years to 2007-08 have been the best years so far but, may I say with humility, that the best is yet to come.

Pranab Mukherjee - July 6, 2009: As we begin this five year journey, the road ahead will not be easy. We will have to manage uncertainties and there will be as many problems as there would be solutions. Mahatma Gandhi said and I quote, “Democracy is the art and science of mobilizing the entire physical, economic and spiritual resources of various sections of the people in the service of the common good of all.” This is precisely what we will have to do. With strong hearts, enlightened minds and willing hands, we will have to overcome all odds and remove all obstacles to create a brave new India of our dreams.