According to the authors, women seemed to be clearly more opposed to alcohol consumption than young men.

"Nearly three-fourth of the women said that alcohol consumption is not acceptable to them while just over half the men felt the same way. Two out of every 10 young men said that drinking is necessary to maintain one's standing in social circles while only one out of every 10 women said the same.

The difference between how young men and women viewed liquor consumption reduced significantly in metropolitan areas and among the educated.

"Alcohol consumption appears to be more acceptable among the more educated. More than 20 per cent of professional degree holders said that it was acceptable. Further, nearly 20 per cent of the city youth felt that drinking is necessary to maintain one’s status in society and one out of every six urban youth felt that is unacceptable," the book says.

The most significant marker in explaining the attitude of the youth to drinking is their educational background.

Those with access to education are increasingly convinced that alcohol consumption is necessary to maintain one’s status in social circles.

The book underlines that Indian youth reflect an authentic multiplicity of aspirations, 'world views' and interest, quite like the rich tapestry of India’s diversity.

It indicates that they are a mix of continuity with change.

However, they stand distinct in many ways from the youth the world over.

This book is also likely to break some myths related to the youth, opening avenues for new debates.