The economic reforms of 1991 unleased a silent revolution with many migrant workers realising the possibility of their children getting good education and being able to do white-collar jobs. Without any government intervention, the country s literacy scene got a new boost, the blows of child labour were softened and within a generation the migrant community moved up socially and economically with their children becoming part of the organised sector. The book traces this journey. Dr Manimala Roy, an economist by training, later diversified into the field of education to produce work combining both disciplines. She is currently the principal of Basava International School, New Delhi.