MY COUNTRY INDIA: Nostalgia and Anticipation The aim of this publication is to infuse the spirit of patriotism by re-examining issues related to growth and development, need for good governance and empowerment, overcoming political turmoils and building an effort to trace the missing sense of dedication and devotion most needed for the making of a united nation. The inherent feeling of oneness which is a driving force in keeping the nation together, is crumbling in the face of the challenges we are confronted with due to a number of reasons particularly under the impact of a weak political system. When the Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, there was a common agenda which revolved around (vi) independence from the British and building India and Indian-ness. The stakes and destiny differ today. The discussions aim to determine how the nation can emerge from the innumerable problems confronting it in terms of inequality, failure in the distribution system, lack of transparency and accountability in the governance, unprecedented levels of corruption and lack of concern for the marginalised sections. Thus, academicians through their inputs have contributed to build the strength of a united nation enthused with the spirit of Rabindra Nath Tagore : "Where the world has not been broken ... by narrow domestic walls ... into that heaven of freedom, my father let my country awake."