Among all Indian states, economic and social development in Tamil Nadu has been uniquely characterized by the political ideologies of the Dravidian parties that have ruled the state from 1967. Starting from a platform of social reform and social justice, the parties have effectively transformed institutions and structures in the state to deliver a social welfare agenda, with the full support of the bureaucracy. The book chronicles the history of the social reform movement, and how these ideas were implemented in policy and through programmes to bring about fundamental changes in institutions of governance and delivery of welfare. Case studies of selected programmes illustrate this development.

The author was part of the administration and a witness as well as a participant of these developments. The book is an intimate narrative from the point of view of an insider into the DMK and AIADMK regimes and the iconic leaders of these parties like MGR, M. Karunanidhi, and Jayalalitha.