NOTES Imperialism^ Independence and Social Transformation THIS review is based on the papers presented at the "International Seminar on Imperialism, Independence and Social Transformation in the Contemporary World" held in March, 1972 in New Delhi.1 We have made a selective and concise study of some papers which appear to have a fundamental bearing on the policies to be pursued concerning the future of newly emerging nations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. However, a note of caution is necessary as people representing those who are at the forefront of anti-imperialist struggles; workers, peasants and students were conspicious by their absence. We just do not know whether they boycotted the conference or their presence was considered unnecesrasy by the organisers. The organisers were mostly those who, on the one hand, fail to make even the minutest effort in defence of the democratic struggle of workers and peasants at home and on the other, vociferously and religiously condemn the imperialists suppression of liberation struggles abroad. However, the powers behind the conference, in spite of their selective approach to participation, found themselves unable to get a report favourable to the Establishment and its allies. The theme "Imperialism, Independence and Social Transformation in the Contemporary World", is important in bringing out the underlying unity of these processes which characterise contemporary reality. There appeared to have been no dearth of theorists who claimed that the erstwhile colonies after merely achieving independence^ have entered into a new phase in which rapid economic development and social transformation is a realisable objective, particularly because of the declining trend of imperialism and the rising tide of Socialism. But a glance at the performance of most of the newly independent states of Asia, Africa and Latin America is sufficient to show the hollowness of this claim. In the case of India the continuing strength of this relationship can be gauged from the growing indebtedness of this country to its imperialist creditors. The collaboration of the Indian ruling class with their erstwhile imperialist masters is clearly reflected in the following statement made by Mr Nehru in 1963. "The UK companies are making more profits now than they did under British rule. Even Sir Winston Ghurchil has expressed great satisfaction at this".2 There was general agreement among the participants that the pr3-