1. Apart From Intellectual Competency And Moral Qualities, Empathy And Compassion Are Some Of The Other Vital Attributes That Facilitate The Civil Servants To Be More Competent In Tackling The Crucial Issues Or Taking Critical Decisions. Explain With Suitable Illustrations.
Empathy and compassion are important attributes for civil servants because they allow them to understand and relate to the needs and perspectives of the people they serve. For example, a civil servant who is empathetic and compassionate is better able to identify and address the needs of disadvantaged communities or individuals who are facing difficult situations.
C.P. Bhambri, dean of School of Social Sciences in JNU criticised Indian bureaucratic system as 'New Brahmanical system'. He attributed it for following factors:
b. The Weberian bureaucracy model, developed by Max Weber, suggests that bureaucratic systems are characterized by a hierarchical structure, division of labor, and strict rules and regulations, which can lead to inefficiency and lack of responsiveness.
b. The "Report on State of Education in Rural Ind" by NSSO highlights how cultural factors such as gender biases and lack of access to resources can impact the education and opportunities available to those in rural areas.
b. The research on the "dark triad" of personality traits (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) highlights how individual factors can contribute to a lack of empathy and compassion in certain individuals.
b. "When people are overworked and stressed, they tend to focus on their own needs rather than the needs of others." - from "The Art of Empathy: A Complete Guide to Life's Most Essential Skill" by Karla McLaren
b. Mahatma Gandhi - "The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems." — It highlights the idea that corruption and unethical behavior stem from lack of personal integrity and a failure to live up to one's own potential.
C.P. Bhambri called for inculcating the values of compassion and empathy as a pill against elitism. Also, government officials like IPS Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat act as an inspiration who was moved by the suffering of trafficked person and devoted his life to fight against human trafficking.
In short, empathy and compassion are crucial for civil servants as it allows them to understand the needs and perspectives of the people they serve. This can lead to better decision making, policies, and support for the communities they serve.
Rudyard Kipling, in this regard said, ‘Walking among the kings and yet not loose the common touch’.
The crux of compassion can be summed up from wonderful verse by Khalil Gibran in his poem 'On Giving' — “There are those who give little of the mUCh whiCh they have—and they give it for reCognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts
Unwholesome... And there are those who have little and give it all. There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward...And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfUlness of virtUe; YoU often say, "I woUld give, bUt only to the deserving." The trees in yoUr orChard say not so, nor the floCks in yoUr pastUre. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish".
2. It Is Believed That Adherence To Ethics In Human Actions Would Ensure In Smooth Functioning Of An Organisation/ System. If So, What Does Ethics Seek To Promote In Human Life? How Do Ethical Values Assist In The Resolution Of Conflicts Faced By Him In His Day-to- Day Functioning?
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that seeks to understand and promote moral principles and values in human life. It helps individuals to determine what is right and wrong, good and bad, and to act in a way that is consistent with these values.
Ethics in Organisation
In the context of an organisation or system, adherence to ethics can help to ensure that all members of the organisation or system are acting in a way that is consistent with these values. This can promote trust, cooperation, and mutual respect among members, and can help to prevent conflicts and abuses of power.
Ethics in Human Life
Ethics seeks to promote virtues such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and compassion in human life.
Ethics and Conflict Resolution
When conflicts arise, ethical values assist in their resolution by providing a framework for assessing the moral implications of different courses of action and for determining which course of action is most consistent with these values. For example, if an ethical value such as fairness is prioritised, it can help to ensure that all parties involved in a conflict are treated justly and that the outcome of the conflict is equitable.
In above instances, ethical values such as integrity, honesty, and transparency play a key role in resolving conflicts by promoting trust and mutual understanding among parties. These values can also help to prevent conflicts from arising in the first place by promoting open and honest communication, and by encouraging individuals and organizations to be accountable for their actions.
Ethics, thus seeks to promote virtues such as honesty, integrity and compassion in human life. Adherence to ethics in an organization or system helps ensure smooth functioning by promoting trust, cooperation, and mutual respect among members and can assist in the resolution of conflicts by providing a framework for assessing the moral implications of different courses of action and determining which course of action is most consistent with these values.
3. “Ethics Is Knowing The Difference Between What You Have The Right To Do And What Is Right To Do.”
This statement highlights the importance of distinguishing between legal rights and moral obligations in ethical decision making. It suggests that just because one has the legal right to do something, it does not necessarily mean that it is the morally right thing to do.
For example, an individual may have the legal right to free speech as provided in the Article 19 of the Indian constitution, but it may not be morally right to use that freedom to spread hate speech or misinformation, hence comes under reasonable restriction of Article 19. Ex SC in Stanislaus case of 1977 held that right to propagate doesn't involve post-conversion or
conversion by any means cos each men has same Freedom of conscience guaranteed by Article 25.
Similarly, a company may have the legal right to maximise profits, but it may not be morally right to do so at the expense of the well-being of employees or the environment. For instance, Vedanta was accused of violating environmental regulations and causing widespread pollution in the state of Odisha. It also been accused of human rights violations, including forced evictions and violence against local indigenous communities failing to respect their way of life.
Under the PM Arogya Yojana, the GoI provides a coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary healthcare. However, there have been reports of around 23,000 fraudulent transactions in hospitals. The case explains that though beneficiaries have the right to access the services, but its abuse by them undermines program's purpose.
Individuals and organizations must remember that just because something is legal, it does not necessarily make it morally right, and thus one must take personal responsibility and make ethical choices that align with their values and obligations to others.
4. Russia And Ukraine War Has Been Going On For The Last Seven Months. Different Countries Have Taken Independent Stands And Actions Keeping In View Their Own National Interests. We Are All Aware That War Has Its Own Impact On The Different Aspects Of Society, Including Human Tragedy. What Are Those Ethical Issues That Are Crucial To Be Considered While Launching The War And Its Continuation So Far? Illustrate With Justification The Ethical Issues Involved In The Given State Of Affair.
War Ethics is the study of the extent & scope of morality of going to war & maintaining a moral conduct during the war. It includes physical, cold or cyber war. Its goal is to determine what is right or wrong for individuals and countries, to spark public discourse and policy discussions related to war, and to guide the actions of governments and individuals during conflict. This has led to the development of a formal code of war conduct, including rules of engagement, protection of civilian rights, and punishment for war crimes committed by soldiers and governments.
The ongoing Russian-Ukraine war that began in 2014 has again highlighted the debate over war ethics. It has raised several ethical issues and concerns, including:
To resolve these ethical issues, following steps can be considered:
Gandhi’s words ‘An eye for an eye tUrns the whole world blind’ is still relevant.
Article 2 of UN Charter requires all members of the UN to settle their international disputes by peaceful means, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against other nations
5. The Rules And Regulations Provided To All The Civil Servants Are Same, Yet There Is Difference In The Performance. Positive Minded Officers Are Able To Interpret The Rules And Regulations In Favour Of The Case And Achieve Success, Whereas Negative Minded Officers Are Unable To Achieve Goals By Interpreting The Same Rules And Regulations Against The Case. Discuss With Illustrations.
The rules and regulations provided to civil servants are intended to guide their actions and decision making, but how they interpret and apply these rules can vary greatly depending on their mindset and perspective.
A positive-minded officer may interpret a rule allowing for some flexibility in decision making, and use that flexibility to find a solution that is beneficial for both the individual and the organization. On the other hand, a negative-minded officer may interpret the same rule as strictly limiting their options and preventing them from finding a solution that is beneficial for all parties.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says, a public officer with strong ethical values can help drive socio- economic development, while unethical behavior can hinder it and erode trust in public institutions.
6.”If A Country Is To Be Corruption Free And Become A Nation Of Beautiful Minds, I Strongly Feel That There Are Three Key Societal Members Who Can Make A Difference. They Are Father, Mother And Teacher.” – A.p.j. Abdul Kalam
Corruption implies using public office for private gain. To put simply when public servant acts in his official capacity that amounts to garnering private benefits then it leads to Corruption. So,
Corruption = Authority + Monopoly - Accountability . |
"Corruption is not just a problem of governance; it's a problem of character and values." - Ratan Tata.
Since, corruption involves problem of values and character. fathers, mothers, and teachers play a critical role in shaping the values and behaviour of individuals and in building a corruption-free society. Each of these societal members has a unique influence on the development of individuals and can contribute to the formation of a nation of "beautiful minds."
Thus, fathers, mothers, and teachers are key societal members who can make a difference in building a corruption-free society. They can instil values of integrity, responsibility, empathy, compassion, and ethical conduct in individuals, and can serve as role models of ethical behaviour. Together, they can contribute to the formation of a nation of "beautiful minds."
While families and educators play a crucial role in shaping the values and behavior of individuals and in building a corruption-free society, achieving this goal in current times poses a number of challenges and issues like:
Corruption is a complex and pervasive problem that cannot be solved solely by families and educators. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes strong laws and enforcement, effective institutions, and a culture of transparency and accountability.
7. “Judge Your Success By What You Had To Give Up In Order To Get It.” – Dalai Lama
In the above statement, Dalai Lama encourages individuals to consider the sacrifices and costs that come with achieving success. It suggests that true success should be measured not just by what we have gained, but also by what we have given up in the process.
In today's fast-paced and highly competitive world, many people are focused on achieving success at any cost. This can lead to individuals and organizations prioritising short-term gains over long-term sustainability and well-being. True success is not only about achieving material wealth or professional accomplishment, but also about maintaining inner peace, well- being and ethical conduct.
8. What Do You Understand By The Term ‘good Governance’? How Far Recent Initiatives In Terms Of E-governance Steps Taken By The State Have Helped The Beneficiaries? Discuss With Suitable Examples.
Good Governance is epitomised by predictable, open and enlightened policy-making, a bureaucracy imbued with professional ethos acting in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, transparent process & strong civil society participating in public affairs.
Humane Governance = Good Governance + People ownership & participation + No humiliation + Accountability. |
E-Governance is an integration of information and communication technology (ICT) with the traditional governance system to improve the quality and efficiency of public services.
According to World Bank, “E-governance refers to application of Information Technologies to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government.
ICT + Governance = E-Governance |
Steps: Recent e-Governance initiatives have helped in improving the delivery of public services to the beneficiaries by:
"SMART Governance" where S implies Simple, M - Moral, A - Accountable, R - Responsive, T - Transparent.
9. Online Methodology Is Used For Day-to-day Meetings, Institutional Approvals In The Administration And For Teaching And Learning In Education Sector To The Extent Telemedicine In The Health Sector Is Getting Popular With The Approvals Of The Competent Authority. No Doubt, It Has Advantages And Disadvantages For Both The Beneficiaries And The System At Large. Describe And Discuss The Ethical Issues Involved In The Use Of Online Method Particularly To The Vulnerable Section Of The Society.
The use of online methodologies has increased significantly in various sectors, such as administration, education, and healthcare, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, industrial revolution 4.0 and web 3.0.
While online methodologies have many advantages, such as increased convenience, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility, they also raise a number of ethical issues.
It is important to consider these ethical issues and to take steps to mitigate them, such as providing access to technology and internet for all, ensuring privacy and security of personal information, and ensuring the quality of online education and healthcare services for all.
Some of the best practices around the world which has yielded positive result in effectively and efficiently using technology:
10. Online Methodology Is Used For Day-to-day Meetings, Institutional Approvals In The Administration And For Teaching And Learning In Education Sector To The Extent Telemedicine In The Health Sector Is Getting Popular With The Approvals Of The Competent Authority. No Doubt, It Has Advantages And Disadvantages For Both The Beneficiaries And The System At Large. Describe And Discuss The Ethical Issues Involved In The Use Of Online Method Particularly To The Vulnerable Section Of The Society.
The use of online methodologies has increased significantly in various sectors, such as administration, education, and healthcare, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, industrial revolution 4.0 and web 3.0.
While online methodologies have many advantages, such as increased convenience, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility, they also raise a number of ethical issues.
It is important to consider these ethical issues and to take steps to mitigate them, such as providing access to technology and internet for all, ensuring privacy and security of personal information, and ensuring the quality of online education and healthcare services for all.
Some of the best practices around the world which has yielded positive result in effectively and efficiently using technology:
11. In Contemporary World, Corporate Sector’s Contribution In Generating Wealth And Employment Is Increasing. In Doing So, They Are Bringing In Unprecedented Onslaught On The Climate, Environmental Sustainability And Living Conditions Of Human Beings. In This Background, Do You Find That Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr) Is Efficient And Sufficient Enough To Fulfil The Social Roles And Responsibilities Needed In The Corporate World For Which The Csr Is Mandated? Critically Examine.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that refers to the voluntary actions taken by corporations to improve the social and environmental well-being of the communities in which they operate. It include charitable donations, environmental sustainability efforts, and community outreach programs.
Tata in 1919 setup Tata Trust. Similarly, Azim Premji Foundation founded by Azim Premji to improve the quality of education and contribute to a just and equitable society. Internationally, Gate Foundation continue to motivate corporate about their obligation towards society & importance of giving back.
In conclusion, CSR is a step in the right direction but it is not sufficient to address the complex and pressing issues facing society today. While CSR initiatives can help to improve the social and environmental well-being of the communities in which corporations operate, they are not a substitute for government regulations and policies that hold corporations accountable for their actions.
To truly address the issues facing society today, corporations must go beyond CSR and actively work to promote sustainable practices and support policies that promote social and environmental justice.
12. Whistle-blower, Who Reports Corruption And Illegal Activities, Wrongdoing And Misconduct To The Concerned Authorities, Runs The Risk Of Being Exposed To Grave Danger, Physical Harm And Victimisation By The Vested Interests, Accused Persons And His Team. What Policy Measures Would You Suggest To Strengthen Protection Mechanism To Safeguard The Whistle-blower?
A whistleblower is a person who exposes wrongdoing, corruption, or illegal activities that are being committed within an organization or government. The whistleblower provides information to the public or to those in positions of authority about illegal or unethical practices that are being carried out, with the aim of correcting the situation and preventing harm to others.
As per Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014 of India, a "whistleblower" is defined as a person who makes a disclosure of any information which he considers to be in the public interest
Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, who leaked classified information in 2013 revealing US govt's surveillance programs. He faced charges under the Espionage Act, and had to flee the country and seek asylum in Russia to avoid arrest. Like Snowden, Whistle-blowers face a variety of risks when they choose to report corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing, and misconduct to the concerned authorities. These risks can include:
reputation. Ex Nambi Narayan, a former ISRO scientist has been a victim of false allegations and political intrigue. He was wrongly accused and arrested for passing sensitive information related to India's space program. SC in 2018 compensated him for 'unnecessary harassment' and false allegations but the damage has already been done to his career and reputation.
2. Physical harm: In some cases, whistle-blowers may face threats or even physical harm as a result of their They may be targeted by those who are trying to cover up the illegal activities they have reported. More than 80 RTI activist murdered & killed and many abducted ever since act comes into force. Ex Sanjay Dubey in 2019 killed for filing RTI against illegal construction. Similarly, Chirag Patel murdered after RTI in MPLAD scheme and Amit Jethwa, an environmental activist for whose murder former an MP was convicted.
Such measures will allow creating a culture of transparency and accountability that encourages people to speak up when they witness misconduct.
Council of Europe has adopted the Convention on the Protection of Whistleblowers, which provides a legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers and requires signatory countries to provide effective legal protection and remedies to whistleblowers.
Prashant Bhushan, lawyer and activist who has exposed corruption in the Indian judiciary and political system despite facing personal and professional consequences for his activism remained tireless advocate for transparency and accountability in public life.
13. Write Short Notes On The Following In 30 Words Each:
- Justice Ramana recuse himself for being on a panel investigating the case of sexual harassment against CJ cos being close friend.
Digitalization has brought about many benefits and efficiencies in various industries, but it also poses a number of challenges.
14. Wisdom Lies In Knowing What To Reckon With And What To Overlook. An Officer Being Engrossed With The Periphery, Ignoring The Core Issues Before Him, Is Not Rare In The Bureaucracy. Do You Agree That Such Preoccupation Of An Administrator Leads To Travesty Of Justice To The Cause Of Effective Service Delivery And Good Governance? Critically Evaluate.
Wisdom is the ability to make good judgement and have common sense in practical matters. It is a combination of knowledge, experience, and insight that allows a person to make informed decisions and act in the best interests of themselves and others.
Yoda from the Star Wars franchise, who is revered for his wisdom says "Do or Don't, there is no try' i.e. rather than making a half-hearted attempt commit completely to one's goals.
In order to avoid such travesty of justice and to ensure effective service delivery and good governance, an administrator must take a holistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Sevottam Model of Quality Public Service Delivery — An administrator can take cue from this model which talks
about strict display of citizen charter in every govt office & its implementation, setting up public grievance redressal system and involves building the capacity of the employees who are involved in public service delivery.
1. IDENTIFY FIVE ETHICAL TRAITS ON WHICH ONE CAN PLOT THE PERFORMANCE OF A CIVIL SERVANT.
JUSTIFY THEIR INCLUSION IN THE MATRIX.
2. IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS A RELIABLE SOURCE OF INPUT FOR RATIONAL DECISION MAKING IS A DEBATABLE ISSUE. CRITICALLY EVALUATE WITH SUITABLE EXAMPLE.
Digital technology refers to the use of digital devices, computers, and the internet to access, process, and store information. It involves the use of computerised algorithms and mathematical models to perform various tasks that were once done manually.
For instance, real-time data collection of COVID-19 patients has helped governments keep track of the number of infections, fatalities, and growth of patients, enabling them to implement effective measures to protect citizens.
However, there are concerns about the reliability of the data provided by digital technology such as:
In conclusion, while digital technology can be a valuable tool for rational decision making, it is important to critically evaluate the reliability and potential biases of the data and algorithms used. It is also essential to ensure that the use of digital technology does not perpetuate or exacerbate existing societal inequalities and biases.
To ensure fair and rational decision making using digital technology, it is important to implement data quality control, data protection, human oversight, stakeholders involvement and regular audit and evaluations.
3. “EVERY WORK HAS GOT TO PASS THROUGH HUNDREDS OF DIFFICULTIES BEFORE SUCCEEDING. THOSE THAT PERSEVERE WILL SEE THE LIGHT, SOONER OR LATER.”- SWAMI VIVEKANAND
This quote by Swami Vivekanand emphasises importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success. It suggests that any endeavour will encounter numerous obstacles and challenges along the way, but those who are able to persist and stay committed will ultimately see their efforts come to fruition. It implies that success not come easily, but with hard work and determination, one will eventually reach their goals.
Bhagavad Gita teaches the value of unwavering commitment to one's duty, and importance of persevering in the face of difficulty. It is believed that by persevering in one's endeavors, one can attain a higher state of consciousness and ultimate enlightenment.
4. ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT COMPONENT THAT GOES AS INPUT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN BEING. HOW TO BUILD A SUITABLE ATTITUDE NEEDED FOR A PUBLIC SERVANT?
Attitude is a person’s predisposition or likelihood to react with certain degree of favourableness or unfavourableness w.r.t an attitude object. It is aggregate of person’s evaluation about target-object. This target-obj can be a person, animal, situation or any abstract concept.
For public servants, it is crucial to have a rational, ethical, optimistic, empathetic, positive, and service-focused attitude. To cultivate such an attitude, public servants can consider the following steps:
A human being at large is defined by his/her attitude towards life. A public servant, who has the responsibility of the governance of the nation need to develop positive attitude in order to serve the country to the best of his/her ability. Zig Ziglar once said, It is the attitude, but not the aptitude, which determines one’s altitude.
5. “REFUGEES SHOULD NOT BE TURNED BACK TO THE COUNTRY WHERE THEY WOULD FACE PERSECUTION OR HUMAN RIGHT VIOLATION”. EXAMINE THE STATEMENT WITH REFERENCE TO ETHICAL DIMENSION BEING VIOLATED BY THE NATION CLAIMING TO BE DEMOCRATIC WITH OPEN SOCIETY.
The principle of non-refoulement is a fundamental principle of international law that prohibits the forced return of individuals to a country where they would face persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations. It is considered a cornerstone of the international legal framework for the protection of refugees and is recognized in various international and regional human rights instruments, including the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.
Regrettably, it is evident that many countries are not upholding their ethical obligations, often discriminating against certain refugees while offering protection to others based on race, religion, or nationality. This type of discrimination is unjust and goes against the categorical imperative, reflecting a decrease in values such as kindness, empathy, and compassion in society. It is the responsibility of all civilised democratic nations to assist refugees and address the humanitarian crisis.
6. AN INDEPENDENT AND EMPOWERED SOCIAL AUDIT MECHANISM IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST IN EVERY SPHERE OF PUBLIC SERVICE, INCLUDING JUDICIARY, TO ENSURE PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ETHICAL CONDUCT. ELABORATE.
A social audit is a systematic examination of an organisation's social and ethical performance, conducted by an independent third-party organization. It examine and evaluate program with the direct involvement of the community.
An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an important tool for ensuring performance, accountability, and ethical conduct in the sphere of public service, including the judiciary.
According to a report by World Justice Project, the effectiveness of the judiciary is a key factor in the rule of law, which in turn is critical for economic and social development.
An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including the judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability, and ethical conduct. It helps to increase transparency and accountability, build trust between citizens and the judiciary, identify and address problems and issues, and ensure that the judiciary is adhering to ethical standards.
However, implementing such a mechanism can present several challenges and issues.
Amitabh Behar, in his book "The Social Audit Consumer Handbook", recommends several steps for conducting a social audit:
7. IDENTIFY TEN ESSENTIAL VALUES THAT ARE NEEDED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SERVANT. DESCRIBE THE /WAYS AND MEANS TO PREVENT NON-ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE PUBIC SERVANTS.
The initiative has been developed as model for other states to reflect and replicate cos of its responsive governance.
8. BESIDES DOMAIN KNOWLEDGE, A PUBLIC OFFICIAL NEEDS INNOVATIVENESS AND CREATIVITY OF A HIGH ORDER AS WELL, WHILE RESOLVING ETHICAL DILEMMAS. DISCUSS WITH SUITABLE EXAMPLE.
The quality of innovativeness and creativity is the ability to produce inventive and original ideas and capacity to think out of the box to come up with new and unique solutions to problems. It involves the combination of imagination, originality, and problem-solving skills.
Ex - A civil servant is tasked with handling a variety of individuals and situations. Thus, finding the appropriate solution for each issue requires a civil servant to employ creativity and innovation to provide the most efficient and effective resolution.
These qualities are essential qualities for a public official, especially to resolving ethical dilemmas. It allow public officials to think outside of the box, to consider alternative approaches, and to find new and innovative solutions to complex problems.
Many committees report like ARC, Commission on the Future of Public Service, New Public Management recommend public officials to create culture of risk taking & experimentation to devise new creative ways to deal with complex tasks. These reports also suggests to embrace new technologies & digital transformation to foster a culture of innovation and creativity in their organizations, which can lead to improved services, better outcomes, and greater satisfaction among stakeholders.
9. “WE CAN NEVER OBTAIN PEACE IN THE OUTER WORLD UNTIL AND UNLESS WE OBTAIN PEACE WITHIN OURSELVES.” – DALAI LAMA
Guru Granth Sahib, holy scripture of Sikh, stresses that true peace can only be found within oneself and is not dependent on external circumstances. The inner peace is a prerequisite for achieving peace in the external world.
The essence of it lies in the famous Gandhian quote "Be the change you want to see in the world" which encourages individuals to take personal responsibility for creating positive change in the world, rather than simply waiting for others to do so.
However, it is important to note that while inner peace is important, it is not the only factor in creating a peaceful society.
For example, in book "1984", Orwell portrays a dystopian society in which state exerts complete control over the lives of its citizens, destroying their sense of self and their capacity for independent thought and emotion.
The pursuit of happiness is a universal goal for all humans. We often look for happiness outside of ourselves when we are unhappy, leading to conflict and disappointment when the world does not meet our expectations. In contrast, when we are happy, we tend to spread joy to those around us, creating a harmonious world.
True happiness originates from within, and we are not dependent on external factors to fulfil our desires. Therefore, it is crucial to understand ourselves and find joy within. When we are content and fulfilled, our desires are satisfied, and we exude peace and calm. As a result, we do not need anything from others and instead spread peace in the world.
10. “LIFE DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE WITHOUT INTERDEPENDENCE. WE NEED EACH OTHER, AND THE SOONER WE LEARN THAT, IT IS BETTER FOR US ALL.” -ERIK ERIKSON
The statement highlights the importance of interdependence in our lives. Inter-dependence refers to the mutual dependence of two or more things or entities. When we recognise our interdependence and work together, it leads to a more prosperous and happier world.
Societies are built on interdependence, as individuals and groups rely on each other to meet their needs and to achieve common goals. Interdependence allows for cooperation, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, which leads to the growth of society. This relationship is manifested in following examples:
Lack of inter-dependence in society can result into grave consequences like isolation & depression; unhealthy competition & inequality; fragmentation; and environmental degradation. Hence, recognising and valuing interdependence can lead to stronger relationships, more cooperation and collaboration, and a more harmonious society.
Ram Sukh Das Ji Maharaja, renowned spiritual leader from Ramananda Sampradaya said, "Swatantrata mei hai partantrata aur pratantrata mei hai swatantrata" i.e. "Independence is interdependence and interdependence is independence". The saying highlights the idea that true freedom and independence cannot exist in isolation, but rather depends on the inter-connectedness. He in these words emphasised on complete surrender to one's spiritual guru [Prapatti or Sharanagati]. His idea resembles Spinoza's concept of freedom and bondage.
Thus, statement "Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all" is true. In this context, Dalai Lama said, "We are all interconnected, in a complex web of relationships that encompasses all life on Earth."
11. IN CASE OF CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE DOES EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE HELP TO OVERCOME THE SAME WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE ETHICAL OR MORAL STAND THAT YOU ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW? CRITICALLY EXAMINE.
"Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, and the emotions of others, in a way that promotes harmonious relationships and positive outcomes." - Bhagavad Gita.
A crisis of conscience can arise when an individual is faced with a situation where they are asked to engage in behavior that goes against their established ethical standards, such as coerced corruption or receiving an order from a senior that is unethical.
During a crisis of conscience, a person feels guilty and remorseful for having acted in a manner they believe is morally wrong. This often results in a desire to make amends in order to clear one's conscience. In such situation, emotional intelligence enables individuals to make ethical decisions rationally and effectively overcome their crisis of conscience.
However, emotional intelligence alone is not enough to overcome a crisis of conscience without compromising one's ethical or moral stand cos EI is a cognitive ability and it does not guarantee that individuals will make ethical or moral decisions.
It's important to consider other factors such as personal values, morals, and principles, as well as the ethical codes of conduct of the profession or organization.
Hence, Patanjali Yogsutra emphasised on mastery of the mind as the highest form of mindfulness as it enables individual self-aware of one's thought and emotions.
In "How Leaders Can Balance Logic and Emotion to Make Better Decisions," Jennifer Jordan argues that leaders need to be able to balance both logic and emotion in their decision-making processes. She suggests that leaders can use their emotional intelligence to identify and manage their emotions, as well as the emotions of their team members, in order to make more effective decisions.
12. SHOULD IMPARTIAL & BEING NON-PARTISAN BE CONSIDERED AS INDISPENSABLE QUALITIES TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL CIVIL SERVANT? DISCUSS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.
Impartiality is principle of justice that holds decisions should be based on objective criteria rather than on basis of bias and prejudice i.e., remain neutral and unbiased in decision-making. Being non-partisan implies civil servant not showing allegiance to any particular political party or group.
Impartiality and being non-partisan are important qualities for civil servants, as they are expected to serve the interests of the public and the government, rather than any particular political or personal agenda. A successful civil servant must have these qualities to make decisions that are in the best interest of the public, rather than being swayed by political or personal biases.
T.N. Seshan, 10th Chief Election Commissioner credited with electoral reforms to make the election process impartial, transparent and fair. He took strict action against individuals and political parties who violated electoral laws. Seshan's reputation for impartiality and non-partisanship helped to restore public confidence in the electoral system and to ensure the integrity of the democratic process in India.
Sardar Patel championed the cause of neutrality as he civil servants to be independent and provide honest opinions and advice, regardless of the views of their political superiors. By advocating for right of civil servants to freely express their opinions, Patel helped to establish a culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability in the Indian civil service.
Lee Kuan Yew, 1st PM of Singapore was regarded as the father of modern Singapore for his impartial & non-partisan approach to govern. He took firm stand against discrimination and prejudice and despite being of Chinese descent, he made it clear that his priority was to promote the well-being of all citizens of Singapore, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and mandates the state to not discriminate against any citizen on these grounds. By adhering to the principles of Article 15, civil servants can ensure that their actions and decisions serve the greater public interest and contribute to the growth and development of the country as a whole.
Sage Kashyapa, one of the seven rishis [Saptarishi] said, "Dharma is wounded when honest people fail in their duty to speak up". He emphasised on the idea that when individuals fail to fulfil their ethical and moral duties, the natural order of the universe is disrupted.
13. “INTEGRITY IS A VALUE THAT EMPOWERS THE HUMAN BEING.” JUSTIFY WITH SUITABLE ILLUSTRATION.
Integrity refers to the quality of being upright, honest and possessing strong moral values. A person of integrity holds steadfast to their ethical principles, even when they are not under public scrutiny. They have inner coherence and are aligned with their surroundings, they behave consistently and make choices that benefit themselves and others.
Therefore, integrity enhances the power of individuals through the trust and support of others. Rabindranath Tagore, on importance of integrity on individual's life, once said, "The greatest gift you can give to others is integrity and the greatest gift you can receive from others is their trust."