[Mission 2022] SECURE SYNOPSIS: 9 March 2022 – INSIGHTSIAS

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NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.


General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. Analyse the elements of continuity and change witnessed in the architecture of Mughals under Shahjahan. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

A monument of national importance, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO describes it as a “masterpiece of architectural style in conception, treatment and execution”. This 17th century wonder is again at the centre of multiple narratives driven by ideologicy. In the process, history is being pushed into the shadows.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the changes and continuity in Mughal architecture under Shahjahan.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by mentioning that the Mughal architecture reached new heights under Shahjahan.

Body:

Frist, write about the major changes witnessed in the architecture of Mughal under Shahjahan – Variety of buildings, Specific characteristic, embellishments, use of marble etc. Give examples for substantiate.

Next, write about the elements that remained the same and continued under Shahjahan.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning due to above reasons Mughal architecture reached its zenith under Shahjahan.

Introduction

Mughal architecture, building style that flourished in northern and central India under the patronage of the Mughal emperors from the mid-16th to the late 17th century. The Mughal period marked a striking revival of Islamic architecture in northern India. Under the patronage of the Mughal emperors, Persian, Turkish, Indian, and various provincial styles were fused to produce works of unusual quality and refinement. Mughal architecture reached its apex during the reign of Shah Jahan.

Body

Shah Jahan and architecture

  • Shah Jahan was one of the greatest patron of architecture and his buildings are unmatched in exquisite beauty of form.
  • He is rightly called ‘the prince of builders’ as the Mughal architecture reached its zenith under his reign.
  • He immortalized himself as he built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
  • He built Shahjahanabad, the 7th city of Delhi, today is known as Old Delhi.
  • His period in specific came to be known as the golden period of Indian architecture.

Elements of continuity during Shah Jahan’s rule:

  • Shah Jahan’s buildings also display a synthesis of Indian and foreign architectural style i.e. Indo-Sarcenic style.
  • The employment of calligraphy, pietra-dura works, foreshortening method, Charbagh style gardens, and the usage of water in the premises for ornamentation were all hallmarks of Mughal architecture which continued in Shah Jahan’s time too.

Elements of change during Shah Jahan’s rule:

  • Shah Jahan’s buildings have a great variety—cities, forts, gardens, mosques and palaces
  • He made extensive use of white marble as opposed to red sandstone which was preferred by his predecessors. E.g.: Tajmahal in Agra
  • The decorative art of inlaying achieved distinction with the introduction of semiprecious stones as inlay material, called pietra dura.
  • He also built the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Moti Masjid in the Agra Fort, and the Sheesh Mahal in the Lahore Fort brilliantly using pietra dura and complex mirror work.
  • He introduced the bulbous domes and convoluted arches in the buildings. E.g.: Tajmahal in Agra
  • The employment of calligraphy, pietra-dura works, foreshortening method, Charbagh style gardens, and the usage of water in the premises for ornamentation were all hallmarks of Mughal architecture. Apart from that, the Taj Mahal has several distinctive features:
    • The jaali work in Taj Mahal is lace-like and incredibly exquisite;
    • The marble carvings were low relief.
  • The buildings during his time have no parallel in symmetry of design and are unsurpassed in grandeur.
  • Aside from large-scale structures, one of his outstanding works was the Peacock Throne, which is considered one of the finest examples of metalwork during this time period.

Conclusion

Thus, during Shah Jahan’s reign, architecture reached its highest water mark in India. Shah Jahan’s buildings combine firmness and vastness with beauty and delicacy. As observed by the noted art critic Percy Brown, “As it was the proud statement of Augustus that he found Rome built of bricks and left it of marble, similarly Shah Jahan had found the Mughal cities of stones, he left them of marble”.

 

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

2. The socio-religious reform movement took a new orientation under Jyotiba Phule and Savitri Bai Phule as it became more inclusive and empowering. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Mahatma Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule stand out as an extraordinary couple in the social and educational history of India. They spearheaded path-breaking work towards female education and empowerment, and towards ending caste- and gender-based discrimination.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of Jyotiba Phule and Savitri Bai Phule in socio-religious reform movements and their contributions.

Directive word: 

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving context regarding socio-religious reforms in India.

Body:

Frist, write about the role played by Jyoti Ba Phule and his contributions to the social reforms in India.

Next, write about the role played by Savitri Bai Phule and his contributions to the social reforms in India.

Next, write how these contributions by the Phule’s provided a new orientation to the movement as it was more inclusive (emphasis on lower caste and women) and focussed on empowerment from within.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was an Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra. His work extended to many fields, including eradication of untouchability and the caste system, and women’s emancipation.

Savitribai was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon village in Maharashtra. She is formally recognised as India’s first female teacher. Savitribai played a pivotal role in women’s empowerment with the support of her husband, Jyotiba Phule.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has recently received flak for his remarks on the social reformist couple Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule.

Body

Contributions of JyotibaRao and Savitribai in social reforms

Social reforms and key contributions:

  • His work is related mainly to eradication of untouchability and caste system, emancipation and empowerment of women, reform of Hindu family life.
  • Along with his wife, Savitribai Phule, he is regarded as pioneers of women’s education in India.
  • The couples were the first native Indians to open the first indigenously-run school for girls in India in August 1848 at Pune in Maharashtra.
  • Later, the Phules started schools for children from the then untouchable castes such as Mahar and Mang.
  • Afterwards, Jyotiba and Savitribai opened a night school for women and the children of those from the working-class community.
  • They set up 52 free hostels for poor students across Maharashtra.
  • In 1863, he opened a home for pregnant Brahmin widows to give birth in a safe and secure place.
  • He opened an orphanage home to avoid infanticide. In this regard, he is believed to be the first Hindu to start an orphanage for the unfortunate children.
  • In 1868, Jyotirao decided to construct a common bathing tank outside his house to exhibit his embracing attitude towards all human beings and wished to dine with everyone, regardless of their caste.
  • In 1873, Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, or the Society of Seekers of Truth, for the rights of depressed classes, to denounce the caste system and to spread rational thinking.
  • Savitribai, a true feminist, set up Mahila Seva Mandali to raise awareness among women against child marriage, female foeticide and the sati system.
  • At the time, widows were often sexually exploited and pregnant widows suffered even more physical abuse and humiliation. To address this problem, the couple set up ‘Balyata Pratibandak Gruha’,a childcare centre for the protection of pregnant widows and rape victims.
  • Savitribai also encouraged the adoption of children borne out of such sexual abuse. She opened an ashram for widows and orphans.
  • She organised a boycott by barbers against the tradition of head tonsuring of widows.
  • Savitribai appealed to women to come out of the caste barriers and encouraged them to sit together at her meetings.

Conclusion

Complete women’s empowerment is still a distant dream in India. While celebrating her legacy, we must also remember the contributions of her husband Jyotiba, who dreamt of equity for women and people of lower castes.

 

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

3. Lokpal and Lokayutka as the ombudsmen for anti-corruption are under performing and needs reforms for it achieve their true potential and ensure accountability in the administration.  Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: New Indian Express

Why the question:

The anti-corruption movement in India has a disappointing past and a staggering present. The plea for a Lokpal to fight corruption was often linked with the political and electoral interests of the day.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the ways to effective operationalise Lokapal and Lokayutka.

Directive word: 

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of Lokpal and Lokayutka in India.

Body:

First, write about the various issues concerning Lokpal in India – government has not made rules prescribing the form for filing complaints to the Lokpal, rules regarding asset disclosure by public servants, inquiry and prosecution wings are yet to be set up, not appointment of the Director of Inquiry or Prosecution etc.

Next, write about the issues concerning Lokayukta in various states. Cite examples to substantiate. Mention the impact of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to effectively operationalise Lokpal and Lokayukta so that they achieve their true potential.

Introduction

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act was enacted in 2013 and came into force in 2014. Almost six years after the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, was signed into law, several key provisions needed for the anti-corruption ombudsman to function have still not been operationalised. The ombudsmen, brought in after the 2011 anti-corruption movement, have become powerless both at the Centre and in the states. According to the Corruption Perception Index Report 2022 released by Transparency International, India ranks at 85 among the 180 countries surveyed.

Body

Persisting issues with Lokpal operationalisation

  • Delay in the appointment of Lokpal due to the legal technicalities and lack of political will is a major issue.
  • The Selection committee and the issue of Leader of Opposition is still lingering and the recent selection of Lokpal didn’t have the views of the opposition party, which is against democratic principles.
  • The process of constituting the Lokpal’s inquiry and prosecution wings has not yet begun, and regulations for how to conduct preliminary investigations have not been made.
  • The Act prohibits Lokpal inquiry if the allegations against the PM in certain circumstances.
    • Thus, Lokpal do not have full authority to investigate PM.
    • Also, complaints against the PM are not to be probed unless the full Lokpal bench considers the initiation of an inquiry and at least two-thirds of the members approve it.
  • There is not much protection provided for whistle-blower in the Lokpal Act, 2013.
  • All the cases of corruption in which high officials are involved go to the CBI. Lokpal do not have complete control. This is a major issue which dilutes the independence of Lokpal.
  • Through an amendment in 2016, the government has done away with the statutory requirement of public disclosure of the assets of public servants’ spouses and dependent children.
    • The vesting of the power of prior sanction with Lokpal has been almost nullified with amendments in Prevention of Corruption Act which strengthen the requirement to seek the government’s permission.
  • Judiciary is totally excluded from the ambit of Lokpal. Thus, there is no chance to hold the judiciary accountable.
  • The establishment of Lokayukta and any appointment falls within the domain of the States, which is being delayed by the state due to lack of political will.
  • In the year 2019, the Lokpal received 1,427 complaints. In 2020–21, the number dipped to a mere 110. Reports say that during the first half of 2021, only 30 complaints were filed before the Lokpal.

Issues with Lokayuktas

  • In Kerala, by way of a controversial ordinance, the Left government has recently amended Section 14 of the Lok Ayukta Act in the state.
  • As a result, the report of the Lok Ayukta becomes merely recommendatory, whereas before the amendment, it could effectively unseat a public servant or a minister when there were adverse remarks.
  • In West Bengal too, the Lokayukta has been reduced to a powerless body.
  • The situation in almost all other states is similar.

Way forward

  • The need of the hour is to revamp the system perceptually, structurally and functionally.
  • For the Lokpal to become an independent body, we need to evolve a select committee that is equally independent.
  • At present, the domination of the political wing of the state is writ large in the committee that selects the Lokpal and its members.
  • The predominance now given to retired judges in the Lokpal also needs reconsideration.
  • Lokpal should be a body of persons from different walks of life who have impeccable integrity and who are held in high esteem by the public.
  • It is necessary to ensure that its recommendations have tremendous moral force and popular acceptability.

Conclusion

Looking at the low ranking of India in Corruption on global level, there is a need to check the corruption by strong institutions. Creation of the institution of Lokpal and Lokayuktas by forming its members to function has come up as a welcome step. But it shall function independently of any political influence so that a proper system of checks-and -balance is maintained in the federal and democratic system of India.

Value addition

Lokpal and Lokayukta Act: Features

  • The Act consists of setting up a team called Lokpal, headed by a chairperson and consisting of eight people
  • This committee will have the power to investigate people who might be acquiring money through corrupt means.
    • All categories of public servants will be covered under Lokpal, including the Prime Minister, while the armed forces will be exempted.
  • The body will also have the power of confiscating property or assets acquired by corrupt means
  • One of the main powers of the Lokpal is that they can protect all the public servants who act as whistle-blowers.
    • They also have a special Whistle Blowers Protection Act established for the same reason.
  • Lokpal will also be given the power to conduct trials in a special court if they feel that the trial is of extreme importance
    • They can also fine people for false or inaccurate complaints
    • The fines can amount up to Rs 2 lakh
  • The Act also incorporates provisions for attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while the prosecution is pending.
  • The States will have to institute Lokayukta within one year of the commencement of the Act.

 

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

4. Explain the concept of open market operations (OMO). What is its impact on various macroeconomic parameters? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of OMO on macroeconomic parameters.

Directive word:

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining OMO.

Body:

First, explain the process of OMO – sale and purchase of securities and the methods it is done.

Next, write about impact of OMO on various macroeconomic parameters such as – inflation, growth, credit supply interest rates and exchange supply etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Open market operations (OMO) is the sale and purchase of government securities and treasury bills by RBI or the central bank of the country. The objective of OMO is to regulate the money supply in the economy. It is one of the quantitative monetary policy tools. Commercial banks and financial institutions participate in the Open Market Operations (OMO).

Body

About OMO

  • Open market operations are the major instrument of monetary control in industrial countries and are becoming important to developing countries and economies in transition.
  • Open market operations allow central banks great flexibility in the timing and volume of monetary operations at their own initiative, encourage an impersonal, business like relationship with participants in the marketplace, and provide a means of avoiding the inefficiencies of direct controls.
  • There are two types of open market operations namely Outright OMO and Repo.

Impact on various macroeconomic parameters

  • Expansionary policy
    • During a recession or economic downturn, RBI will seek to expand the supply of money in the economy, with a goal of lowering the rate at which banks lend to each other overnight.
    • To do this, the RBI will purchase bonds from banks and other financial institutions and deposit payment into the accounts of the buyers.
    • This increases the amount of money that banks and financial institutions have on hand, and banks can use these funds to provide loans.
    • With more money on hand, banks will lower interest rates to entice consumers and businesses to borrow and invest, thereby stimulating the economy and employment.
  • Contractionary policy
    • RBI will undertake the opposite process when the economy is overheating and inflation is reaching the limit of its comfort zone.
    • When RBI sells bonds to the banks, it takes money out of the financial system, reducing the money supply.
    • This will cause interest rates to rise, discouraging individuals and businesses from borrowing and investing, while encouraging them to put their money in less productive investments such as interest-bearing savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
    • This has the effect of slowing inflation and economic growth.

Conclusion

The RBI performs Open Market Operations based on the macroeconomic scenario in the Indian economy. OMO has been a potent tool to manipulate the readily available liquidity in the economy which in turn have cascading effects on inflation, bond yields etc. RBI’s buying or selling of securities has ripple effects through the money supply, interest rates, economic growth, and employment.

 

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

5. Examine the impact of RBI’s various quantitative instruments of credit control on achieving the objectives of monetary policy.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the RBI’s quantitative instruments in achieving the objective of monetary policy.

Directive word:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing about the link between RBI’s quantitative instruments and the monetary policy.

Body:

First, in brief, write in brief about the various objectives of monetary policy – Regulation of monetary growth, maintenance of price stability, Ensuring adequate expansion of credit, Assist economic growth, Encourage flow of credit into priority and neglected sectors and Strengthening of the banking system of the country etc.

Next, write about the impact of RBI’s quantitative instruments on achieving the above stated objectives.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

RBI is the sole authority that decides the money supply in the economy. And to control this, RBI implements the monetary policy’s Quantitative and Qualitative instruments to achieve economic goals. Quantitative or traditional methods of credit control include banks rate policy, open market operations and variable reserve ratio. Qualitative or selective methods of credit control include regulation of margin requirement, credit rationing, regulation of consumer credit and direct action..

Body

Quantitative measures of credit control

  • Bank Rate Policy
    • The bank rate is the minimum rate at which the central bank lends money and rediscounts first-class bills of exchange and securities held by commercial banks.
    • When RBI gets a hint that inflation is rising, it increases the bank interest rates so that commercial banks borrow less money and the inflation stays under control.
    • Commercial banks also increase their lending rate to the public and business enterprises so that people borrow less money, which will eventually help to control inflation.
    • On the other hand, when RBI reduces bank rates, that means borrowing for commercial banks will become cheap and easier.
    • This allows the commercial banks to lend money to borrowers on a lower lending rate, which will further encourage borrowers and businessmen.
  • Variable Reserve Ratios
    • Variable reserve ratios refer to that proportion of bank deposits that the commercial banks are required to keep in the form of cash to ensure liquidity for the credit created by them.
    • To maintain liquidity and to control credit in the economy, the RBI also keeps a certain amount of cash reserves. These reserve ratios are known as SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) and CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio).
    • CRR refers to a certain percentage of commercial bank’s net demand and time liability that commercial banks have to maintain with the RBI at all times. In India, the CRR remains between 3-15 per cent by the law.
    • SLR refers to a certain percentage of reserves to be maintained in the form of gold and foreign securities. In India, SLR remains 25-40% by the law.
    • Any changes in SLR and CRR bring out the change in the position of commercial banks.
  • Open Market Operations (OMO)
    • The sale and purchase of security in the long run/short run by the RBI in the money market is known as open market operations. This is a popular instrument of the RBI’s monetary policy.
    • To influence the term and structure of the interest rate and to stabilize the market for government securities, etc., the RBI uses OMO, and this operation is also used to wipe out the shortage of money in the money market.
    • The working of OMO is discussed in the previous question.
    • There are certain factors that affect OMO which include underdeveloped securities market, excess reserves with the commercial banks, indebtedness of the commercial banks, etc.
  • Repo Rate
    • A Repo rate is a rate at which commercial banks borrow money by selling their securities to the RBI to maintain liquidity.
    • Commercial banks sell their securities in case of a shortage of funds or due to some statutory measures. It is one of the main instruments of the RBI to keep inflation under control.
  • Reverse Repo Rate
    • Sometimes, the RBI borrows money from commercial banks when there is excess liquidity in the market.
    • In that case, commercial banks get benefits by receiving the interest on their holdings with the RBI.
    • At the time of higher inflation in the country, RBI increases the reverse repo rate that encourages banks to park more funds with the RBI, which will help it earn higher returns on excess funds.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of credit control measures in an economy depends upon a number of factors. First, there should exist a well-organised money market. Second, a large proportion of money in circulation should form part of the organised money market. Finally, the money and capital markets should be extensive in coverage and elastic in nature. Extensiveness enlarges the scope of credit control measures and elasticity lends it adjustability to the changed conditions.

Over the decades, it has been proven that the credit supply in the economy can be controlled better with the coordination of both the general (Quantitative) and selective (Qualitative) methods rather than implementing them individually in the economy.

 

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws”  – Plato

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin the answer by explaining the quote in your own words.

Body:

Explain the role of integrity in good people which makes them act responsibly in presence or absence of laws. Similarly, bad people will always try to find loopholes around laws. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about need of improving accountability to those who violate the law.

Introduction

The above quote talks about the law as a source of moral guidance. According to Plato, Good people always act on their moral and ethical judgement. This is more comprehensive than law. On the other hand wicked people always manage to find loopholes in laws.

There are two sources of guidance by which human beings can judge the morality of their actions. One is outside that is law and other is inherent within the actor that is conscience.

Body:

Laws are the guidelines provided to citizens for an amicable conduct in social and private environment. These laws are mostly derived from the societal ethics itself but some of them can also go against the society defined ethics that are immoral.

What makes people good are their actions. If a person is thought to be responsible in his actions, he understands what his actions hold for him as well as for the society. Sometimes, it is perceived that if a person is not indulging in an anti-people activity, he does not have guts to do so. This belief is questionable. A person who bears subtle form of social controls in his life, and doesn’t indulge in actions which need to be controlled by laws, has in fact imbibed those ideals in his personality.

For instance, in the cyber world there are many cases where laws are not provided in these cases a good person will not need the law to be made to act in a moral manner that he sees fit.

On the other hand, a bad person or precisely say, an immoral person follows the laws only when they exist & sometimes tries to violate the laws. While the bad elements, people who are not concerned about the larger good when they indulge in any activity, lack the “good” trait in their personality and fundamentals. Even if the society tries to contain them into laws and impositions, they will find a way out because their tendencies are framed in that manner.

For instance, If traffic police is not in the sights or cctv cameras are not installed, he will not leave chance to break traffic rules. Even if he is caught breaking some laws, he will try to bribe the police.

Conclusion

Being good or bad, is essentially defined by what a person holds as ideals and how responsibly he chooses his actions. Laws come into picture for social control. What must in fact come into picture is better training of an individual from childhood to be a member of a responsible society.

Value addition

Law as moral obligation:

  • St Thomas Aquinas defined law – “an ordinance of reason for the common good” – imposes moral obligation to act or restrains to not act
  • Law sets up a course of action
  • Aquinas emphasized upon good, possible and just laws therefore.
  • He recognized two kinds of laws – Natural and Positive laws
  • Natural law developed with time and is based on human nature. Human reason can discover it. It is also universal and immutable.
  • Positive law is a set of laws and depends on legislators’ free will. Promulgated by some external sign
  • Since natural law is general and vague, positive law is necessitated to clear ambiguity and establish principles

Conscience:

  • Against law which is outside the actor, conscience is within that determines morality.
  • It is a special act of mind that comes into being when the intellect passes judgement on the morality of a particular action.
  • From deontological perspective, conscience is a judgement – an act of intellect.
  • It is not a feeling or an emotion.
  • It is very specific to the action, unlike the general nature of laws.
  • This belief is questionable.

 

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“The path of social reform like the path to heaven at any rate in India, is strewn with many difficulties. Social reform in India has few friends and many critics.” ― Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin the answer by explaining the quote in your own words.

Body:

Explain the context of social reforms and the difficulties one faces to ensure social reforms. Cite attitudinal reasons for the same. Substantiate with examples from the past and present.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning ways to overcome resistance to for social reform.

Introduction

The above quote reflects the difficulties in changing or shaping people’s attitudes and behaviours towards the social reforms. Being himself a Dalit, Dr BR Ambedkar made all his efforts to change the hierarchical structures of Indian society and restoration of equal rights/justice to the marginalized and abolition of Untouchability. He stood for a complete reorganization and reconstruction of the Hindu society on the principle of equality free from casteism. He advocated equality of opportunity. He opted for peaceful and constitutional methods for the sake of resolution of the social problems.

Body

Attitude is pattern of behavior of individual towards other individuals or circumstances. This is shaped by various factors like familial values, values taught by teachers, societal values and autonomous determined values.

There are reports of practices of untouchability in rural parts, caste-based discrimination in public institutions and heinous forms of atrocities against Dalits, honour killing by dominant caste, Khap Panchayat. Many young couples who prefer inter caste marriage are being ostracized and in many cases being killed by dominant caste Panchayats. The policy and criminal justice administration has failed to ensure justice to the victims of atrocities. There should be exemplary punishment for the persons who believe in caste system by treating them as anti-nationals because they are against equality and human dignity.

Thus, there are innumerable social evils which are prevalent in our society. And the path to reform the same is not a smooth one. One needs a lot of will power and consistent efforts to bring about change in the attitudes and behaviour of individuals. The statement of Dr Ambedkar captures the same here.

Conclusion

Attitude is important because attitudes reflect past experience and shape future behaviour. In this way, the caste biases and prejudices can also be corrected and overcome. Persuasion and social influence with conditioning can help transform the society.


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