Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 26 January 2021

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

1. Compare and Contrast the Permanent Settlement with Mahalwari Settlement introduced by the British. What was the impact of the new forms of land revenue settlements on Indian Agriculture? (250 words)

Reference: A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum Publishers

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To bring out the major differences between Permanent settlement and Mahalwari settlement and to write about the overall impact of Permanent, Ryotwari and Mahawlari settlement on Indian agriculture.

Directive:

Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by briefly writing about the nature of the two settlements.

Body:

In detail, bring out the differences between both the settlement systems – context of introduction, areas of introduction, fixation of Land revenue, collection of revenue and revision of land revenue etc.

Next, write about the overall impact these Land Revenue systems on Indian agriculture – Commercialization of Agriculture, Fragmentation of Lands, Absentee Landlordism, indebtedness of peasants and depressing effect upon the rural economy etc.

Conclusion:

Write about how these impacts led to mobilization of peasants and over a period of time, the peasant issues became a part of mainstream national movement.

Introduction:

Land revenue was one of the major sources of income for Britishers in India. There were broadly three types of land revenue policies in existence during the British rule in India.

Before independence, there were three major types of land tenure systems prevailing in the country:

• The Zamindari System
• The Mahalwari System
• The Ryotwari System

Body:

Impact of British land revenue policies:

• Pauperisation of the rural economy:The rural economy as a whole was affected. All the classes from zamindars to peasants were affected. Many lost their livelihoods due to loss of land and right to cultivate.
• Shifting from food crops to cash crops:In order to meet the high revenue demand the farmers had to shift from food to cash corps like indigo, cotton, which led them to buy food grains at higher prices and sell the cash crops at low prices.
• Food scarcity and famines:The shifting to cash crops and decreasing productivity of land badly affected the society in the form of famines. This led to many famines in India, causing death of millions.
• Increase in money-lending: The land settlements introduced a market economy with cash payments of revenue. This led to an increase in money-lending activities, which put Indian peasants under debt, which were exploited by money lenders.
• Led to inequalities: The Land tenure system led to increase in social inequalities. While rich defended their properties, the poor didn’t have any resources to do so. Further due to illiteracy they were exploited by money lenders for interests.
• Handicrafts and industries affected:It impacted circular economy. The peasants and zamindars earlier had purchasing power to buy handicrafts. Loss of income of peasants affected the handicrafts industry too. Handicrafts men resorted to agriculture that further put pressure on land. The industries were affected due to lack of raw materials.
• Impact on local administration: It deprived village panchayats of their two main functions: land settlements and judicial and executive functions. Thus the old politico-economic-social framework of village communities broke down.

Conclusion:

The overall impact of the all this was stagnation and deterioration of agriculture. It led to series of famines in 19th century. The unsustainable system led to series of peasant revolts. The miseries of the peasant were one of the important cause for the revolt.

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

2. As Governor-General, Bentinck had initiated an era of progress and reforms. Were the various reforms of William Bentick successful? Comment. (250 words)

Reference: A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum Publishers

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various reforms of William Bentick and the comment on their achievements.

Directive:

Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by writing about the various reforms of Bentick in brief.

Body:

In the first part, elaborate up on the reforms of Bentick. Financial Reforms, Administrative reforms, Social Reforms and Educational reforms.

In the next part, in detail bring out the relative successes and limitations of Bentick’s Reforms. Eg: Sati was ended gradually, female infanticide continued in some parts, if financial reforms reduced pressure on government coffers but it caused discontent among Sepoys, his educational reforms only benefitted very few etc.

Conclusion:

Give an overall estimate about the reforms of Bentick.

Introduction:

British rule over India started as a trading unit, when East India Company received a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I on 31 December 1600. Within a time period of nearly three centuries, the British turned from a trading power to one of the most powerful countries in the world.

By Charter Act of 1833, the post name of Governor-General of Bengal again converted into “Governor-General of India” and the first Governor-General of India was William Bentinck. Lord William Bentinck served as Governor General of India between 1828-1835.

Body:

Reforms during the period of William Bentinck

• Administrative Reforms
• He abolished the Provincial Circuit Courts of appeal.
• The abolition of the Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuitreduced the expenditure of the company Government. The appointment of the Commissioners introduced individual responsibility. Police was now less oppressive as the Commissioners would dispose the cases.
• Bentinck adopted a liberal policy towards the Indian Press. Excepting that he did not permit the government officials to misuse the Press against the government, he allowed free functioning to the Press.
• Social Reforms
• Along with Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bentinck tried to suppress many superstitious practices prevalent then. Sati, the practice of widow burning, was abolished by the Bengal Sati Regulation (Regulation XVII) on 4^thDecember 1829.
• He also tried to control, with Ram Mohan Roy’s advocacy, practices like polygamy, child marriages and caste rigidity.
• Bentinck also did a commendable job of controlling organised Thugee. Thugs were gangs of professional thieves and even murderers that had created a huge law and order problem. Thugee was finished off by 1837.
• Human sacrifices and female infanticide were declared illegal and severe punishment were adopted for the offenders.
• Economic Reforms
• The government demand was reduced from 80% to 60% or two-thirds of the gross rental and, instead of yearly fixation, the revenue was fixed for thirty years.
• He was able to bring about a sound financial management system for the company, but the process was also accompanied by a policy of westernisation. He was influenced by Jeremy Bentham’s and James Mill’s utilitarian principles.
• Bentinck revised the court system as well as the educational system. He passed the English Education Act 1835 that replaced Persian with English in the higher courts. He also advocated Indians to be educated in the western style so that more Indians could be employed in the administration.
• He opened the Calcutta Medical College in 1835 and it became the first western medical school in all of Asia where people could be admitted irrespective of caste or creed.
• The Charter Act of 1833 was passed in his tenure. This Act marks the centralisation in India’s administration and also made provisions for the inclusion of Indians in government service. This also made Bentinck the first Governor-General of India.
• He reformed the military by banning flogging as a punishment in the British Indian army.

Conclusion:

Thus, William Bentinck took several measures in different spheres of administration. His economic reforms were quite successful while his administrative and judicial reforms meant only additions to the already existing system. His educational and humanitarian measures certainly deserve praise because a good beginning was made by them. But these served only limited purpose. No effort was made by him to educate the masses while his humanitarian reforms touched only the fringe of the Indian social system and did not affect the large majority of the people.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

3. With a new administration in the U.S, discuss the elements of continuity and change it will have on the various contours of India’s strategic security. (250 words)

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

President Biden’s 17 acts of rolling back prominent Trump policies on the very first day could send some awkward signals about the way the new administration may view the outcome of the last four years of US policies.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how the new administration will impact various facets on India’s strategic security.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin the answer by giving the context regarding the regime change in U.S.

Body:

In detail, discuss one by one, the various contours of India’s strategic security and how the new regime will impact. You need write about what might change and what might continue the same.

Start by, Indo-US bilateral relations – immigration, Diaspora, security etc. Then explore, U.S-China, U.S-EU, QUAD, U.S-Pakistan, Middle East especially Iran deal, U.S-Russia and analyze all these vis-a-vis Indian strategic security perspective.

Conclusion:

Stress on how India should prepare itself to handle the changes that might forth come.

Introduction

The change in US administration will have major policy shift from the Trump era, especially in immigration and in dealing with nations such as China and Iran. This will have a major impact on India’s security and geopolitics in the region.

Body

Elements of Change

• Immigration: The issue of mobility for Indian workers may finally get some traction in the Biden administration.
• Troop’s withdrawal: While Biden had talked about the withdrawal of US troops from the forever wars, he stated it will happen “responsibly in a manner that ensures we both guard against threats to our homeland and never have to go back”.
  • There won’t be hasty conclusion of deals that will endanger Kabul going into anarchy and violence.
• Human rights: Biden has been vocal on issues like human rights abuses in Xinjiang and the clampdown on political freedoms in Hong Kong.
  • Same goes with India, as democrats raised issue of internet shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir and regarding Delhi riots.
• Attitude on Pakistan: The Democrats may look for reset of ties with Pakistan, which is a reversal of Trump’s stopping financial and security aid to Pak.
  • Pakistan is the key in support of the Afghanistan peace process.
• Climate Change: USA will re-join the Paris agreement and issues of climate change will come up in every aspect of negotiations including trade with India.
  • Biden has also expressed a desire to cooperate with China on transnational issues like climate change, non-proliferation and global health security, suggesting he might adopt a less belligerent approach than Trump to the relationship with China.

Elements of Continuity

• Terrorism: Biden administration noted in its campaign that there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia – cross-border or otherwise. It was a veiled reference to Pakistan.
• There is largely a bipartisan consensus in Washington that the time for a confrontation with China is right now. The Biden administration is also likely to be concerned about the spread of Chinese influence in critical advanced technologies.
• Quad and Indo pacific: The Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, launched under the Trump administration and developed in part as a way of recognising India’s growing role in the region, seems likely to persist in some capacity under Biden.
• Trade: Differences on trade between India and the US are longstanding, and it is unclear whether Biden will reverse the steps taken by Trump (GSP benefits) or move to strike a pending trade deal in light of prevailing domestic priorities.

Impact on India’s Strategic security

• Defence partnership: USA’s Defence secretary said that it will operationalise India’s ‘Major Defence Partner’ status and continue to build upon existing strong defence cooperation to ensure the US and Indian militaries can collaborate to address shared interests.
• US-China and India relations: India’s biggest concern is the military stand-off with China which has continued for the past six months, along the LAC.
  • One reason being, Beijing had been “unhappy” at New Delhi’s convergence with the US strategic goals in Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
  • The US’s worsening relations with China is therefore of utmost importance to New Delhi.
  • It would also have a domino effect in the extended neighbourhood, where the dominance of China (Belt and Road Initiative) has led India to partner with the US to increase its presence through capacity building and infrastructure development.
• Afghanistan and regional security: In the immediate region, the US’s continued presence in Afghanistan – and the fate of the peace talks, is not only crucial for regional security but also would determine Washington’s relation with Pakistan.
  • It will have major impact on Kashmir, as a Taliban government will lead to Kashmir becoming Launchpad for extremist activities. g.: IC-814 hijacking incident is still afresh in India’s memory.
• Middle east geopolitics: Biden’s revival of nuclear deal JCPOA will provide respite for India in terms of energy security.
  • India’s interests are primarily the opening of Iran’s energy supplies, the rights on development and usage of Chahbahar, stability of the Gulf nations where the large Indian diaspora resides and a general absence of violence.
  • However, this may undo the Arab peace (Abraham Records) with Israel, which may cause new turbulence.
• US-Russia and India relations: The S-400 deal remains contentious in US eyes with no certainty about application of CAATSA. If the world starts to inch towards a likely Cold War between the US and China, India’s relationship with Russia is going to prove challenging.

Conclusion

Biden has long been an advocate of deeper ties with India, going back to his days as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He played a key role in lifting US sanctions on India in 2001 as well as in getting the US–India nuclear deal through the Senate in 2008, and when he was Vice President in the Obama administration, the US declared India a ‘Major Defence Partner’.

General Studies – 3

Topic:  Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

4. What are the implications of U.S.A rejoining the Paris climate agreement? The U.S. administration needs to do much more than just rejoining the Paris Agreement. Analyze. (250 words)

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Joe Biden assumed office as President of the United States on January 20, 2021, and among the first orders he signed was one to restore America’s participation in the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of U.S.A rejoining the Paris Climate Deal after a hiatus of 4 years and to make a case that the superpower should do much more that merely re-join the deal.

Directive:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Give a brief of the mandate that was set by the ambitious Paris Agreement of 2015. 

Body:

In the first part, given the context with regards to changed witnessed under Trump presidency.

Next in detail, bring out the implication of U.S rejoining the climate deal. Emission cuts, net-zero emissions, Federal investments, Funding, Research and Development, Strong support for multilateralism and accountability from other countries etc.

Finally, write how U.S.A being the global leader must to do much more than to return to the Paris fold. Renewed focus on foreign aid, regaining political legitimacy, take responsibility, commit to technology and funds for poorer countries and clean up the role of lobbyists etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward on the U.S can make use of the this opportunity of change of administration to take concrete steps to save the planet.

Introduction

After four years of egregious anti-environmental policies during the Trump years, the new administration has been quick to re-join the Paris Agreement on its very first day in office.

Body

Trump administration on environment and its impact

• The withdrawal from the Paris Agreement meant that the U.S. was no longer bound by its national pledge made under the pact- to achieve an economy-wide reduction of its GHG emissions by 26%-28% below the 2005 level in 2025 and to make best efforts to reduce emissions.
• America also stopped its contribution to the UN’s Green Climate Fund, to which it had pledged $3 billion, after transferring an estimated $1 billion.
• On the contrary, the Trump regime focused on, among other things, relaxing controls on emissions from fossil fuel-based industries, diluting standards on air quality and vehicular emissions.
• In all, more than 100 environmental rules were tinkered with by the administration, with some rule reversals remaining in process when the presidential election took place, and others taken to court.

Implications of US re-joining the Paris agreement

• The U.S. accounts for 15% of global GHG emissions, but it is the biggest legacy contributor of atmosphere-warming gases. Re-joining would make USA accountable under “common but differentiated principle”.
• USA has promised an “enforcement mechanism to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050”, including a target no later than the end of his term in 2025, aided by a planned federal investment that will total $1.7 trillion over ten years, besides private investments.
• USA will call for accountability from other countries, including the top emitter, China, on GHG emissions.
• Nations that default could face carbon adjustment fees or quotas.
• This year’s UN climate conference in Glasgow will see the new administration engaging UNFCCC member-nations to raise global ambition.
• With private industries coming on board along with USA, will generate new innovations and technologies and prices will come down.
• It does raise the possibility of essentially carbon taxes on imports to those countries who are emitters, and the possibility of a carbon-zero bubble.

Need for more measures

Currently, a number of countries, including the US, are not on track to reach their commitments and the world is not on track to keep warming within 2 degrees Celsius, according to the Climate Action Tracker.

• Getting to net-zero isn’t the only factor: the trajectory by which we get there is also important. Which means, achieving the interim goals is much needed, especially by USA and China.
• With new cold war on the unveil, it will be difficult to press either US or China to have convergence on climate goals. Climate summits will likely be torpedoed by the rivalry.
• USA must regain its political legitimacy on climate and it requires the government to take responsibility in causing and aggravating the global climate crisis.
• Biden administration must commit to technology and funds for poorer countries and take on bigger emission targets.
• USA cannot bend over for the fossil fuel lobby which funds Democrats and Republicans, rather clean up the role of lobbyists in climate regulatory and policy organisations within the U.S.
• Finally, USA must recognise and break up elite networks that have benefited by sustaining climate myths.

Conclusion

What the US does and how the world responds over the next few years could be the deciding factor on saving the global commons and averting the climate crisis.

Topic:  Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

5. With sufficient effort, India could plausibly even attain leadership of the global quest for solar energy to replace old sources of electric power that belch out carbon and heat up the planet. Comment with respect to India’s bid to play a leadership role in setting up a World Solar Bank. (250 words)

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

On Monday, it was reported regarding India’s eagerness to become lead member of the World Solar Bank (WSB), a multilateral lender proposed by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), by making an equity commitment of $600 million for a 30% stake in it.

Key Demand of the question: To write about India strengths and weaknesses in India’s solar energy sector in India’s quest for global leadership in the sector and suggest measure to improve its performance.

Directive:

Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context regarding the World Solar Bank (WSB).

Body:

In the first part, write about India’s scope and opportunities in this regard. Progress and increase post 2014, abundance of sunlight and solar farms are cheaper than ever to set up and operate, geographic location and its potential, International Solar Alliance and various government initiatives to promote solar energy etc.

In the next part, mention various challenges that the solar energy faces. Disruptions caused by the pandemic, inefficient conversion technologies, high cost of solar farms, too much surface area to generate too little and over-reliance on solar imports etc.

Suggest ways to overcome the above challenges.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward which will make India a global leader in the solar sector.

Introduction

Recently India showed interest to become lead member of the World Solar Bank (WSB), a multilateral lender proposed by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), by making an equity commitment of $600 million for a 30% stake in it.

Body

India’s scope and opportunities in solar energy

• The establishment of International Solar Alliance (ISA) of more than 122 countries initiated by India, is the first international treaty-based organization headquartered in India.
• One sun One World One Grid: Under OSOWOG vision, India seeks to replicate its global solar leadership (International Solar Alliance) by encouraging the phased development of a single globally connected solar electricity grid to leverage the multiple benefits (Low cost, Zero pollution) of solar energy.
• India has pledged to mobilize more than US $ 1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy, and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs.
• The world’s largest solar power park, the Pavagada Solar Park in Karnataka, has now become entirely operational.
  • Generating 2050 MW of clean energy, the park is located on land leased from farmers, utilising the drought-hit area & adding to farmers’ income.
• In 2014, the country had less than 3 gigawatt (GW) of installed solar capacity. That figure has now reached about 37 GW.

Challenges

• India’s solar story is largely built over imported products.
• Issues with WTO: India’s domestic content requirement clause is facing legal challenge at WTO. India is facing challenge to balance Prioritising domestic goals and WTO commitments.
• Dumping: The dumping of products is leading to profit erosion of local manufacturers.
• Dependency on China: India is dependent on Chinese imports for solar equipment, such as solar cells, panels, etc.
• Land availability: The government has a target of 100 GW by 2022, achieving which would require the country to cover much larger stretches of terrain with solar panels than we have done so far.
  • Land availability in India for solar plant is less due to high population density.
• China’s strong manufacturing base is giving stiff challenge to domestic manufacturer.
• India’s solar waste is estimated to be around 1.8 million by 2050 also needs to be tackled.

Way forward

• Strong financial measures are required to finance the solar projects, innovative steps like green bonds, institutional loans and clean energy fund can play a crucial role.
• Exploration: More storage solutions need to be explored.
• Promoting MicroGrids: Along with prioritizing designing microgrids, public policy attention is needed for developing battery technologies at scale for local applications.
• Promotion of research and development in renewable energy sector, especially in storage technology.
• India needs a Solar Waste Management and Manufacturing Standards Policy.

Conclusion

India’s bid to play a leadership role in setting up a World Solar Bank is laudable. It could galvanize domestic efforts and give the country a global voice in the push for a clean planet

General Studies – 4

Topic:  Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

6. Write a short note on Plato’s four cardinal virtues. How relevant are those virtues in the contemporary times? (150 words)

Reference: stanford.edu

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the relevance of Plato’s cardinal virtues in the present times.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

 Begin by mentioning about the Plato’s 4 cardinal virtues – Wisdom, Courage, Justice and Moderation.

Body:

In brief, describe the virtues of Plato and what they meant according to him. Four cardinal virtues on which rest all the remaining moral virtues.

Next, one by one, bring out the relevance of these virtues in present. Cite examples as to show how these virtues are still important.

For e.g. – Courage in times pandemic etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the overall importance of the virtues.

Introduction

The four cardinal virtues of Plato are justice, wisdom (prudence), courage (fortitude), and moderation (self-control, temperance). They come not just from Plato or Greek philosophy but are found in scriptures as well. These four are called “cardinal” virtues from the Latin word for “hinge”. All other virtues hinge on these four.

Body

Justice

Justice for Plato is the bond that holds the society together. It is also based on his theory of souls where he classifies men into men of gold, silver and copper who have the virtues of reason, courage and appetite respectively. So, Justice for Plato was when every individual as fitted by nature, performed his duties in the society. He said, justice is served when rulers are wise, soldiers are courageous and producers are productive.

Contemporary relevance

Though Plato’s justice may not be suitable in the current times, Justice as fairness will always remain relevant. In a world where there is stark divide between rich and poor, the haves and have-nots; there is a need for socio economic justice. To remove the ills of gender discrimination and violence, there is a need for gender justice. Human dignity as given by Kant, cannot be realised without the idea of Justice. There cannot be rule of law without Justice. E.g.: Sister Abhaya case in Kerala, where convicts were brought to justice recently. Justice, is thus a virtue that sustains the human existence.

Wisdom

Plato believed that knowledge of philosophy was the path to attain wisdom. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words, philos, which means friend or lover, and sophia, which means wisdom. So, philosophy is the love of wisdom and, more importantly, the philosopher is the friend or, better, lover of wisdom.

The ideal for the philosopher is the attainment of a comprehensive and systematic elaboration of the first principles of being that provides definitive answers to fundamental questions about the origins, nature, and destiny of the universe and about the good for human beings and the ways to obtain it. And such wisdom is meant to be action-guiding. In the Republic Plato’s injunction is in effect: “Become wise yourself, or if you are incapable of it, let yourself be guided by one who is truly wise.”

Plato also said that there is no end to the predicament of human lives until rulers learned philosophy or philosophers became rulers.

Contemporary relevance: We live in an age of extreme competition where in education plays crucial role in determining our place in the society. Wisdom in the form of common sense is of utmost important to prevent being deceived. Moreover, as human beings are increasingly becoming more materialistic and consumerist, there is a need to reign the greed of desires. This is possible when the mankind is not just educated or worldly wise but also has deeper wisdom regarding their actions and its impact on the planet. As Plato says, reality is a shadow of ideas, it is more important to understand the Essence.

Courage

In Plato’s Laches, multiple definitions of Courage can be found. Courage is the knowledge of what inspires fear or confidence. It is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, without fear and with bravery.

In contemporary times, mankind is faced by multiple dangers such as life-threatening pandemic, climate change induced disasters. On a micro level, any small change in life can be fear inducing. For instance, going abroad for higher studies or quitting a high paying job to pursue civil services. Every decision of our lives requires courage and conviction to materialise it into reality.

Moderation

Moderation is primarily a personal virtue aimed at rational self‐control of extreme appetites for food, drink, and wealth. Plato associates moderation with the proper functioning of the appetitive part of the soul.  Hence, moderation in a person will be the result of the “agreement” on the part of the appetitive part to the rule of the reasoning part.

In political sense, the same goes in a city: left to themselves, the craftsmen will have a tendency to excess and dissolution, but when ruled by Plato’s philosopher-rulers, the proper functioning of this “appetitive” class of people will allow the whole state to become moderate. Unless and until they agree to allow the best rulers actually to rule, there will always be a high degree of risk that the state will slide into immoderation.

This virtue is most relevant in current economy driven by excessive wastage of natural resources. As Gandhi said, there is enough for everyone’s need and not everyone’s greed. Moderation is the key for sustainable development. It also prevents one to be on either extreme of a spectrum in life.

Conclusion

The four cardinal values form a virtue theory of ethics. The virtues are called cardinal because they are regarded as the basic virtues required for a virtuous life. Our value system and principles help us stay grounded and form an integral part of our identities. In the end, all that matters are not how much wealth or riches one had, rather the virtuous path one took in the journey of life.

Topic:  role of Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

7. In order to have meaningful existence in the society, we need to have right knowledge of the society as the social institutions play important role in forming values. Elaborate. (150 words)

Reference: Ethics by Lexicon publications.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of society in forming values in an individual.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining social institutions and how they play role in forming the values.

Body:

In detail establish the role of social institutions, significant customs and habits, social institutions sanctioned, systematized and established by the authorities,  territory, culture, language and educational system that play role inculcating in values.

Conclusion:

Stress on the importance of having right knowledge of social institutions for building right values and character.

Introduction:

Society is a ‘web of relationship’ and these relations are fundamental for understanding human behaviour and different institutions of society. Values are “things that have an intrinsic worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor,” or “principles, standards, or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable.” These are influenced by various factors like family, society, social institutions etc.

Body:

Man lives in society for his mental and intellectual development. Society preserves our culture and transmits it to the succeeding generations. Society liberates as well as limits our potential as an individual and also shapes our attitudes, beliefs, moral and ideals. A society thrives best when it is composed of men and women who are intelligent, hard-working, honest and dutiful.

• Society teaches values such as:
• Social Cohesion
• Social Harmony
• Unity among the people of different religions
• No ethnic conflict
• Cultural pluralism
• Tolerance towards different section of the society

Family is the first school where children start their initial learning. The role of teacher played mother and other members of family. Even in the formal school system, different roles like teacher, pupil and parents are members of society and always carry their cultural baggage and values of same society. The system of joint family for instance helps in inculcating values of togetherness, sharing, while nuclear family teaches independence and struggle.

In school, children are members of a small society that exerts a tremendous influence on their moral development. Teachers serve as role models to students in school. They play a major role in inculcating their ethical behaviour; Peers diffuse boldness and consideration for others; Value teaching, Character building, Skill development etc. take place.

Religion is also one universal institution that exists from primitive to post-modern society. However, sometimes its rigidity also becomes dysfunctional.  One of the most important functions of religion is social control. Although all religions profess the values of peace, harmony, brotherhood etc., there have been instances of hatred, violence to achieve short-sighted goals.

Economic institution refers the rules, procedures and norms of production, distribution, consumption as well as working system and patterns. These influence the values of libertarianism, socialism, materialism etc.

The nature of state, political parties, its ideology and policy directs the nature of education system and its policy in society.  Democratic states profess ideals of democratic rights and development whereas a dictator regime is filled with violence, fear, human rights violations etc.

Conclusion:

Values constitute an important aspect of self-concept and serve as guiding principles for an individual. Man being a social animal is bound to be influenced by societal norms and in turn affect the societal values.

• Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE to watch Motivational and New analysis videos