Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge,...At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. Jawaharlal Nehru

Those who won our independence believe liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty. Louis D. Brandeis

A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Mahatma Gandhi

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan

You give me your blood and I will give you Independence! -Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

Mother, I bow to thee! Rich with thy hurrying streams, Bright with orchard gleams, Cool with thy winds of delight, Green fields waving, Mother of might, Mother free. Glory of moonlight dreams, Over thy branches and lordly streams, Clad in thy blossoming trees, Mother, giver of ease, Laughing low and sweet! Mother I kiss thy feet, Speaker sweet and low! Mother, to thee I bow. Bankim Chandra Chaterjee

I know where I am going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I am free to be what I want. Aruna Asaf Ali