Historical Context: Verghese provides valuable historical context to understand the challenges and opportunities India faced during its formative years after gaining independence from British rule in 1947.

Nation Building: The book chronicles India's nation-building efforts, including the framing of the Constitution, the integration of princely states, and the establishment of democratic institutions.

Leadership: Verghese offers insights into the leadership of prominent figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Indira Gandhi, and their roles in shaping India's destiny.

Partition and Communal Harmony: The author reflects on the traumatic events of partition and the challenges of fostering communal harmony in a diverse and pluralistic society.

Economic Development: Verghese discusses India's economic development strategies, including the planning process, industrialization efforts, and agrarian reforms aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting growth.

Foreign Policy: The book explores India's foreign policy priorities and challenges, including relations with neighboring countries, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Indo-Pakistani conflicts.

Democratic Values: Verghese emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic values, secularism, and pluralism in India's political and social fabric, despite facing various internal and external pressures.

Social Justice: The author highlights efforts to address social inequalities and promote social justice through affirmative action policies, education reforms, and empowerment initiatives for marginalized communities.

Environmental Conservation: Verghese discusses the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development, advocating for responsible stewardship of India's natural resources.

Lessons Learned: Finally, "First Draft" offers readers valuable lessons learned from India's journey, including the importance of resilience, inclusivity, and a shared vision for building a prosperous and harmonious society.