Indira Gandhi & Margaret Thatcher

I wonder how these two stern (Iron) ladies would have disciplined me had they been my grandmothers 🙂 Pretty sure I’d break things intentionally, particularly in the kitchen and the drawing room, just to see their reactions. That’s all I would do (ahem).

Gandhi: (During her visit to America ’83), …”It’s difficult to imagine two nations more different than ours. As history goes, your country is a young one. Over the years, it has held unparalleled attraction for the adventurous and daring, for the talented as well as for the persecuted. It has stood for opportunity and freedom. India is an ancient country, and history weighs heavily on us. The circumstances of its present development are shadowed by years of colonialism and exploitation. Yet our ancient philosophy has withstood all onslaught, absorbing newcomers, adapting ideas and cultures. We’ve developed endurance and resilience.”

Thatcher: “Fundamental principles are relevant to all times. Learning Latin opened up a whole new world for me; …don’t think they are dead languages. You will know the fundamentals of how people think and what the problems are. How people approach. We’re all up against human nature.”

Precisely true to this day. Just as educating your children about the past is as important as educating them about the future.