Synopsis Recent reviews of past development efforts have acknowledged the persistence of poverty in all the countries irrespective of their economic development. The World Summit for Social Development made the commitment to eradicate this scourge and invited all countries to join hands in the struggle against poverty. This has occasioned a rethink on the entire issue of poverty. The essays contained in this book, written by India’s leading sociologist and an expert on development, with considerable experience of working in the UN, raise several issues relative to poverty. Highlighting the multidimensionality of the phenomenon of poverty, a case for a holistic and culture-specific approach to the solution of the problem has been presented. Written for different audiences and at different times, the essays brought together in this book clearly outline author’s approach, and raise challenging questions. Rather than providing any readymade recipe for solving the complex and persisting problem of poverty, the book invites its readership in the search for solutions that are do-able.