In Pilgrimage to India, Pramila Jayapal, an Indian-born, Western-educated woman, returns to her country of birth and gives readers an inside look at a culture that is both fascinating and largely inaccessible. During her two-year stay, Jayapal finds a people struggling to reconcile time-honored practices with present-day changes, and she herself confronts mixed emotions toward the deeply rooted traditions of the society. Jayapal not only sheds light on India's societal issues but also weaves a vibrant tapestry of the beauty and mystery of the culture. Jayapal's forte lies in translating grassroots-level issues of development for a Western audience. These passages alone make the book a worthwhile read. The Village Voice