Since independence India has made progress in many fields, but its story has also been one of defeated hopes, warped institutions and a fractured political life. This collection of over a hundred of Sham Lal's writings as a columnist analyse the larger forces at work in today's world and their impact on the course of events in this country. Sham Lal provides a nuanced view on complex issues such as globalisation, democracy and economic liberalisation. His interaction with historians, sociologists, economists, political scientists, poets and novelists reveals a collection of writing that is multi-layered, analytical and intelligent and, above all, extremely relevant in today's times.