Analyze the major social reforms undertaken in post-independence India, a period of transformative change aimed at creating a more just and equitable society. We explore landmark reforms like land redistribution, educational expansion, and efforts to reduce caste discrimination, examining both their successes and their challenges. The episode highlights the complexities of building a new social order while also dealing with the legacy of colonialism. The continued influence of the Indian Civil Service, later renamed the Indian Administrative Service, and its role in maintaining stability are discussed.

Furthermore, we delve into the economic challenges India faced, the need to create a self-reliant economy, and the impact of global events like World War II. The story of Surendranath Banerjee serves as an example of how individual acts of resilience can contribute to significant social change. Finally, we examine the complexities of tackling the caste system, the legal reforms that outlawed untouchability, and the ongoing struggle for true equality in India.