"The poor in India are, too often, reduced to statistics. In the dry language of development reports and economic projections, the true misery of the 312 million who live below the poverty line, or the 26 million displaced by various projects, or the 13 million who suffer from tuberculosis gets overlooked. In this thoroughly researched study of the poorest of the poor, we get to see how they manage, what sustains them, and the efforts, often ludicrous, to do something for them. The people who figure in this book typify the lives and aspirations of a large section of Indian society, and their stories present us with the true face of development."

Another outstanding book which I think should be read by every Indian. A very gripping book on the poor in India and how policies made for them go wrong. Written in a very interesting and thought provoking style. I wish there was an update to this book, a kind of a sequel since the period covered by this book is the mid nineties...