This book is on India’s societal and political processes and trends at the turn of the twenty-first century. It reflects many current socio-political concerns. These include continuing Dalit oppression and the related emancipation politics, politics of caste and reservations, the perfidies of power that punctuate the functioning of Indian democracy at every turn through pervasive corruption, criminality and related evils. Its theme is current affairs with sensitivity to socio-political history where necessary. The book emphasises the need for redefining the contents and contours of Indian democracy for ushering in a more inclusive secular and pluralistic polity and society.