Sharma, L.N. creator text xu| 2015 continuing ng p.601-610. The article elucidates the concept of civil society as it first emerged in Europe and then started being used elsewhere since the 17th Century in the modern age. It exemplifies the structures of the civil society with particular reference to India and delineates its function of mediation between citizens and the government. It examines how far the civil society has been successful in strengthening democracy and serving the public causes with which its members are intimately concerned. It also suggests how far the civil society can and should seek to make people lead better lives and control their governments. (Reproduced.) Civil society Indian Journal of Public Administration 180718