Exploring India's growing global importance, this in-depth study examines the political, economic, and social factors in a variety of ways. Coupling lively discussion with background essays contributed by more than 40 prominent people from different spheres of life--including distinguished scholars, well-known social commentators, top journalists, eminent economists, corporate leaders, and veteran policymakers and administrators--this volume offers a wide perspective on the democracy, economy, and society of an ever-evolving nation.