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The Hindu Mahasabha appreciates the need for Ahimsa. But it firmly believes Ahimsa born of fear or cowardice is not consistent with India's great heritage.

— Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

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Source, in full

presidential address at Mahakoshal Hindu Conference at Bilaspur, 7-12-1940, in Sobhag Mathur, Hindu Revivalism and the Indian National Movement, p. 129, and in Elst, K. (2010). The saffron swastika: The notion of "Hindu fascism". I.493

More quotes by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

A nation that fails to take pride in its past achievements or to take inspiration therefrom, can never build up the present or plan for the future. A weak nation can never attain greatness.

That more than 90 per cent of the Indian population should continue to be illiterate even after 175 years of British rule in this country is an intolerable situation which calls for immediate action.

Political and social justice requires, not the disintegration of a country and destruction or humiliation of a class which shows initiative, intelligence and drive, but equality of opportunity for all, genuine freedom for self-fulfilment, in which all men irrespective of caste or creed may share.

You have drunk deep at the springs of western knowledge. While you will not hesitate to absorb for your benefit and for the national good the best elements in western culture and thought, you will not in any case permit the destruction of the vital elements of your own civilisation.

Whatever work you undertake, do it seriously, thoroughly and well; never leave it half-done or undone, never feel yourself satisfied unless and until you have given it your very best. Cultivate the habits of discipline and toleration. Surrender not the convictions you hold dear but learn to appreciate the points of view of your opponents.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.