Book excerpt: Thoughts and Reflections is a collection of Pranab Mukherjee's views on a range of subjects, from democracy and its institutions to education and innovation, from economic policy to the nation's security. This unique compilation throws a new light on the dilemmas confronting contemporary India. Equally, it presents the hopes of a young and vibrant population, as also the aspirations of a country at the threshold of becoming a global economic power. These quotes of a statesman, visionary and the First Citizen of the Republic find resonance with an India of over a billion dreams.