Even into seven decades of political independence the lndian nation strives to achieve social freedom for its masses. Among the various kinds of social malaise the most debilitating is the occurrence of periodic communal violence. In the lndian context the fault lines straddle religious, caste, ethnic, linguistic or economic class contours. This book is a testimony to the depravity of 1984 in the country extending to many years thereafter, following army action at the Golden Temple complex. The author strives to present a balanced and objective narrative of events at the national level interspersed with his own experiences. He is convinced that apportioning total blame on a community, group or party for the ignominious events will be as subversion of truth. It is often the insidious few who act with diabolical intent in shedding blood. He exhorts the majority not to remain silent when faced with a crisis beyond their boundaries. The book is a testament of faith that the nation one day will emerge as a place where peace, justice and harmony prevail.