This book consists of two parts, written at different times and with different purposes. They are not sequential, yet belong together. The first tells the story of the life of M.S. Swaminathan, and his dream of securing human dignity through food sovereignty in India, and the second reflects on the implications and nuances of the story.

The first part of the book is more biographical in nature; a large number of experiences throughout his life are discussed, not necessarily in chronological order. Part two, however, is more reflective in nature, and concerned with issues which had to be confronted in the course of his career. In this part, he reflects on how politics has influenced and shaped the course of agricultural development; and how different ethical stances, often in conflict, have come into play. This is not just a historical account, but equally valid in present times.