The article reflects on India's 1980s as a consequential decade marked by significant political shifts, including the decline of the Congress party, the rise of coalitions, and multiple prime ministers. It details major events like the Bofors scandal, Mandal-Mandir contestation, insurgencies, military interventions, and nuclear standoffs with Pakistan and China. The decade also saw economic liberalization, India's growing global stature, the end of the Cold War, and evolving international relations, with the author highlighting the role of India Today magazine in chronicling these changes.