[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 22 January 2024

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

General Studies – 1

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

1. In the aftermath of the third Carnatic War, the English reigned supreme over India as all their European rivals had been decisively eliminated. Analyse the reasons for the victory of English. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To analyse the reasons for the victory of English over the European rivals in India.

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 as a whole in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context, as to how the third Carnatic paved way for the emergence of British Indian empire.

Body:

Draw a small map of pre-independent India showing the major centres of European powers in India.

In the first part, elaborate upon as to how among the European powers in India, French were the strongest as well as historical adversary of the English and tussle between them was witnessed over the three Carnatic wars.

Next, analyse the reasons as how the British were able to get better of their European Counter parts. Keep in mind as not make your just about Anglo-French Rivalry. This question is about English against all the European powers such as Portuguese, Danes, Dutch and the French.

Conclusion:

Sum up the answer, with the elimination of their European adversaries, the British now turned their attention to Indian Kings.

Introduction

The Anglo-French struggle lasted in India for nearly 20 years and this ultimately gave way to the establishment of British power in India. In the Carnatic region and Bengal, the Anglo-French rivalry was much evident. In Bengal, their hostility had been contained by the effective intervention of Alivardi Khan. But in the south, the French position was reinforced due to the arrival of a fleet from Mauritius and this resulted in an attack by French on the English position in Madras.

Body

In Europe, when Austria wanted to recover Silesia in 1756, the Seven Years War (1756-63) started. Britain and France were once again on opposite sides.

Course of War in India:

• In 1758, the French army under French General,Count Thomas Arthur de Lally captured the English forts of St. David and Vizianagaram in 1758.
• Now, the English became offensive and inflicted heavy losses on the French fleet under Admiral D’Ache at Masulipatnam.

Battle of Wandiwash:

• The decisive battle of the Third Carnatic War was won by the English on January 22, 1760 at Wandiwash (or Vandavasi) in Tamil Nadu.
• General Eyre Coote of the English totally routed the French army under Count de Lally and took Marquis de Bussy as prisoner.
• Pondicherry was gallantly defended by Lally for eight months before he surrendered on January 16, 1761.
• With the loss of Pondicherry, Gingee and Mahe, the French power in India was reduced to its lowest.
• Lally, after being taken as prisoner of war at London, returned to France where he was imprisoned and executed in 1766.

Result and Significance:

• The Third Carnatic War proved decisive.
• The third war ended with the Treaty of Peace of Paris (1763)under which Pondicherry and Chandannagar were returned to France but they could only have trading activities in them.
• Although the treaty restored to the French their factories in India, the French political influence disappeared after the war.
• Thereafter, the French, like their Portuguese and Dutch counterparts in India, confined themselves to their small enclaves and to commerce.
• The English became thesupreme European power in the Indian subcontinent.

Causes for the English Success and the French Failure

• Lesser Governmental Control over British:The English Company was a private enterprise.
  • This created a sense of enthusiasm and self-confidence among the people.
  • With less governmental control over it, this company could take instant decisions when needed without waiting for the approval of the government.
  • The French company, on the other hand, was a State concern.
  • It was controlled and regulated by the French government and was hemmed in by government policies and delays in decision-making.
• Superior British Navy and Bigger Cities under Control:The English navy was superior to the French navy; it helped to cut off the vital sea link between the French possessions in India and France.
  • The English held three important places, namely, Calcutta, Bombay and Madras whereas the French had only Pondicherry.
• British were Strong with Funds:The French subordinated their commercial interest to territorial ambition, which made the French company short of funds.
  • In spite of their imperialistic motives, the British never neglected their commercial interests.
  • The British always had the funds and the consequent sound financial condition to help them significantly in the wars against their rivals.
• Superior British Commanders:A major factor in the success of the English in India was the superiority of the commanders in the British camp.
  • In comparison to the long list of leaders on the English side – Sir Eyre Coote, Major Stringer Lawrence, Robert Clive and many others, there was only Dupleix on the French side.

Conclusion

The victory at Wandiwash left the English East India Company with no European rival in India. Thus, they were ready to take over the rule of the entire Country. Significantly, in the Battle of Wandiwash, natives served in both the armies as sepoys. It makes one think that irrespective of which side won, there was an inevitability about the fall of India to European invaders.

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

2. While the Battle of Plassey was crucial in the initial establishment of British influence in Bengal, it was the Battle of Buxar that confirmed and consolidated their power over the region. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of Battle of Buxar and in what way it paved way to expansion and consolidation of British Empire in India.

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 the answer by mentioning the context and the participants in the Battle of Buxar.

Body:

In the first part of the body, elaborate the consequences of the battle to show how it paved way for expansion and consolidation of the British Empire in India. Explain that the Battle of Buxar had far-reaching implications in the consolidation of the British Empire in India. It influenced the politico-economic conditions of Bengal in particular and of India in general.

In the next part, mention as to how Buxar confirmed the gains of Plassey.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

The Battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764) are watershed moments in Modern Indian history as they marked the beginning on the rise of British colonial rule in India. They had far-reaching implications in the consolidation of the British Empire in India. It influenced the politico-economic conditions of Bengal in particular and of India in general.

Body

Background to Buxar

• The Battle of Plassey resulted at the end of the French forces and was a major turning point in modern Indian history that led to the consolidation of the British rule in India.
• The British became the paramount European power in Bengal.

Battle of Buxar: Consequences

• The defeat of the Great Mughal House was very significant and it stamped the British troops as one of the potent forces of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Treaty of Allahabad formally gave the British East India Company the right to exact revenue from the eastern province of Bengalwhich turned the economic fortune of the company.
  • Robert Clive set up the infamous dual system of administration in Bengal wherein the Company acquired the real power, while the responsibility of administration rested on the Nawab of Bengal.
  • Under the ‘dual’ or double government system, the Company got both the Diwani (revenue) and nizamat (civil administration) functions of Bengal.
  • Thus, virtual power went into the hands of Britishers without any responsibility which created confusions, anarchy and economic loot of India began.
• The British victory at Buxar ensured that there were no significant forces left to challenge its position in the eastern part of the subcontinent.
• The defeat of the Nawab of Awadh created a buffer state which effectively created a wall between the Britishers and the notorious Marathas.
• Through the Residents, the Company officials began interfering in the internal affairs of Indian states.

Conclusion

If the Battle of Plassey had made the English a powerful factor in the politics of Bengal, the victory of Buxar made them a great power of North India and contenders for the supremacy of the whole country. The Buxar battle resulted in strong foothold of British as not only economic power but also political power in India.

Topic: geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

3. Climate change is associated with increased variability in weather patterns. In the case of the Indian monsoon, there have been reports of more intense and erratic rainfall, leading to both floods and droughts in different regions. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

A new study has found that monsoon patterns in India have been fast-shifting and erratic in the past decade.

Key Demand of the question:

To write the impact of climate change on monsoon.

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: 

Start by introducing Indian monsoon and its importance briefly.

Body:

First, write about the impact of climate change – both monsoon deficit and too much monsoon in counterproductive in the Indian scenario. Mention the drawbacks of the too much surplus in monsoon such as floods, crop damage, increased pest infestation and disease, low outputs etc with supporting examples. Also, include the indirect costs incurred such as increased imports and reduced exports.

Next, write about the ways to tackle the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to deal with climate change impact and mitigate it.              

Introduction

Monsoons are seasonal winds which reverse their direction with the change of season. The monsoon is a double system of seasonal winds. They flow from sea to land during the summer and from land to sea during winter. Monsoons are peculiar to Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, parts of Central Western Africa etc. Indian Monsoons are Convection cells on a very large scale. They are periodic or secondary winds which seasonal reversal in wind direction.

Persistence of intense La Nina conditions, the abnormal warming of East Indian Ocean, negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), southward movement of most of the monsoon depressions and lows and pre-monsoon heating over the Himalayan region and melting glaciers are causes of the variation. A new study has found that monsoon patterns in India have been fast-shifting and erratic in the past decade.

Body

Effects of climate change on the Indian monsoons:

• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has clearly sighted that2022 has seen the second highest extreme events since 1902.
  • An alarming case asincidents of floods and droughts have increased,there is more evidence coming our way on how global warming has been impacting the Indian monsoon.
• Research shows thatglobal warming increases the fluctuations in the monsoon,resulting in both long dry periods and short spells of heavy rains.
• Aerosols absorb solar radiationdue to which less of it reaching the surface of the Earth.
• This leads tocooling of land, reducing the contrast of temperaturebetween sea and land, thereby weakening the atmospheric circulation that sustains the Indian Monsoon.
• Not only this, changes in circulation in the Indian subcontinent affect air-sea interaction which is the binding factor between Asia and the Indian Ocean.
• Climate change is altering the nature of the Indian monsoon,turning it into an erratic and destructive force.
• Since 1951, the monsoon circulation has weakened, especially in regions like the Western Ghats and the Indo-Gangetic plains.Simultaneously, however, incidents of localised heavy rainfall have increased. What has also increased is the duration of dry spells between rainy days during the monsoon.

Measures needed

• Deploying lower-carbon Energy:
  • There are four main types of low-carbon energy: wind, solar, hydro or nuclear power. The first three are renewable, which means these are good for the environment – as natural resources are used (such as wind or sun) to produce electricity.
  • Deploying lower carbon energy would help address both domestic and international climate challenges while simultaneously improving the economic well-being of India’s citizens.
• Mainstreaming Renewable energy:
  • India’s energy mix is dominated by coal powered electric generation stations as of now.
  • The need of the hour is increase the share of renewable energy in this energy mix.
• Focus on Energy Efficiency:
  • Will need energy efficient buildings, lighting, appliances and industrial practices tomeet the net-zero goal.
• Increased usage of Biofuels:
  • Can help reduce emissions from light commercial vehicles, tractors in agriculture.
  • In aviation, the only practical solution for reducing emissions is greater use of biofuels, until hydrogen technology gains scale.
• Transition towards Electric vehicles:
  • This will further help curb the carbon emissions.
• Carbon Sequestration:
  • India willhave to rely on natural and man-made carbon sinks to soak up those emissions. Trees can capture 0.9 billion tons; the country will need carbon capture technologies to sequester the rest.
• Carbon Pricing:
  • India, which already taxes coal and petroleum fuels, should consider putting a tax on emissions to drive change.

Conclusion

India is one of the most vulnerable nations to the ravages of climate change, and what makes our experience unique in many ways is that the country faces severe challenges on nearly every climate metric: be it sea level rise, the melting of Himalayan glaciers, an increase in the number of destructive cyclones or extreme heatwaves. In many ways, these separate impacts have come together to shape the destiny of one of the most awe-inspiring weather phenomena on the planet, the Indian monsoon.

 Climate change is set to inescapably alter the ocean temperatures around the Indian neighborhood. So, giving more importance to understanding the vagaries of the NE monsoon should be among India’s key priority in adapting to climate change. India needs to step up research to improve the performance of the monsoon prediction models. Preparedness is the best way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

4. India is a country known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, and religious tourism holds significant potential in the nation. Discuss the measures that are needed to promote religious tourism in the country. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The Ram temple in Ayodhya could trigger a paradigm shift in the conceptualization and governance of temple towns and pilgrimage centres, leading to greater economic activity, job creation and collective welfare.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the potential of religious tourism sector in India and the steps that India needs to take to boost religious tourism in the country.

Directive word: 

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving statistic related to tourism in India.

Body:

First, write overview of religious tourism given the vast religious diversity in the country.

Next, write about the status of tourism in India. Give facts and figures related to revenue and forex earnings, tourist footfalls. Also highlight the diverse nature of religious tourist circuits in the country.

Next, write about the policy measures needed to promote religious tourism in the country – Highlight the areas where work is needed – security, infrastructure, connectivity and so on. give
details of these three aspects.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Every region in India is identified with its handicraft, fairs, folk dances, music and its people. Hence, India is a country with a great potential for tourism. The tourism industry employs a large number of people, both skilled and unskilled. It promotes national integration and international brotherhood. There is no other country in the world which offers such a wide choice of destinations like India.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya could trigger a paradigm shift in the conceptualization and governance of temple towns and pilgrimage centres, leading to greater economic activity, job creation and collective welfare.

Body

Religious tourism is defined as going for a pilgrimage and it may or may not involve an overnight stay. Religious tourism has a big future in India. India is richly endowed with ancient temples and religious festivals. Religions originating in India, be it Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism or Buddhism, have a vibrant culture and spiritual philosophy. Together, they present a viable, alternative way of life as compared to the materialism and confrontation prevalent in the West.

Potential of Religious tourism in India

• There is a revival of religious attitudes not only in India but the world over. The second and third generations of the Indian Diaspora are actively seeking out their roots in religion.
• Within its distinct segment, religious tourism in India offers a variety to attract different kinds of tourists. In time, it has the potential to become a commercially viable endeavour.
• To begin with, there are pilgrimages to several world-renowned temples and shrines, such as Tirupati, Golden temple, Vaishno Devi, Ajmer Dargah, Bodhgaya etc.
• But traveling to temples and seeking the blessings of the gods is only one aspect of religious tourism and an aspect that may not interest many.
• Foreigners to India are fascinated by the gaiety and pomp that marks religious festivals.
• Some fairs like the Kumbh at Haridwar and Pushkar camel fair already draw significant tourists, but much more can be done.
• These can also be made nodal points for promoting religious tourism in India.
• The economic impact of pilgrimage tourism can be seen its contribution to a country, the largest contributions to pilgrimage tourism is seen in the many pilgrimage places in India.
• Many small places economies are highly depend on pilgrimage tourism as evidenced by the significant share of pilgrimage tourism in their total earnings.
• In 2009, pilgrimage tourism alone contributed 44.5 percent of the total export earnings of Indian tourism.
• Tourism in India has also provided a substantial contribution to Indian tourism, amounting to 13.7 percent in 2009, taking full advantage of the potential of their natural, pilgrimage tourism resources, countries like India and foreign countries are benefiting from the pilgrimage tourism.
• The pilgrimage tourism contributes significantly to the creation of employment, both directly and indirectly in 2009, the industry in Indian region provided jobs for about 21% people representing an average of 8.9% of total employment.

Policy measures needed

• Infrastructure Development: Invest in improving transportation, accommodation, and sanitation facilities near religious sites.
• Marketing Campaigns: Launch targeted marketing campaigns to highlight the cultural and spiritual richness of religious destinations globally.
• Visa Facilitation: Streamline visa processes to encourage easier access for international religious tourists.
• Cultural Events: Organize religious and cultural events, festivals, and fairs to attract visitors and showcase the unique traditions.
• Safety and Security: Implement robust safety measures to reassure tourists, fostering a secure environment for their religious journeys.
• Community Involvement: Involve local communities in tourism initiatives, ensuring they benefit economically and culturally.
• Digital Presence: Enhance online visibility through websites and social media platforms, providing comprehensive information for potential tourists.
• Training Programs: Conduct training programs for hospitality staff to ensure a positive and respectful experience for religious tourists.
• Preservation Efforts: Implement conservation measures to protect the historical and cultural integrity of religious sites.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between government bodies and private enterprises to jointly promote and develop religious tourism initiatives.

Way forward

• While, in principle, religious tourism in India has immense potential to evolve as a niche segment, there are hurdles to be overcome.
• Adequate facilities for lodging, boarding and travel will have to be created.
• What needs to be done is to create nodes near religious centers, where there is already a basic infrastructure present and plan day trips from there.
• For example, Chennai in South India can be a node for excursions to Madurai, Thanjavur, Trichnapalli and Pondicherry. Madurai is the home of the exquisite Meenakshi Temple, which is regarded as the holiest temple in India by many people.
• The second aspect that will need to be taken care of will be to provide the tourists with a holistic religious experience. Tourists may not find it worthwhile to come all the way just for a pilgrimage.
• A packaged trip that offers the different hues of religious tourism will have to be prepared. This would require blending the ritualistic part of the religious tours with informative, cultural and philosophical inputs.
• Information on the mythological significance of the places of pilgrimage will need to be provided in advance so that tourists are better prepared.
• Traditional dances, music and theatre related to the religious shrine will have to be built into the itinerary.
• Discourses on the essence of the religious beliefs, workshops on yoga and ayurvedic practices can add immense value to religious tourism.
• Religious tourism in India can provide an experience that cannot be had anywhere in the world. But for it to fructify, the seeds will have to be sown and the saplings will have to be nurtured.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

5. Addressing the need for social security in India requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that includes measures for income support, healthcare, education, and protection against various social and economic risks. Substantiate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

A five-point agenda to fix the country’s PF scheme could shift 50 million people from informal to formal work.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the benefits of social security in the country and measures to promote it.

Directive word: 

Substantiate – When you are asked to Substantiate, you must pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question using suitable case studies or/ and examples.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by defining social security.

Body:

In the first part, write about the need of social security – provide individuals and families with protection against economic and social risks.

Write about the ways to promote social security in the country.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Social security refers to a government-sponsored program providing financial assistance, protection, or benefits to individuals facing economic challenges. It aims to ensure a basic standard of living and support for vulnerable populations, such as retirees, disabled individuals, and the unemployed. Common components include pensions, healthcare, unemployment benefits, and disability support. Social security programs vary globally but generally serve to mitigate socio-economic risks and enhance the overall well-being of citizens during various life stages.

A five-point agenda to fix the country’s PF scheme could shift 50 million people from informal to formal work.

Body

need of social security in India

• Population Dynamics: India’s large and diverse population, exceeding 1.3 billion, requires social security measures to address the varied needs of different demographic groups.
• Economic Disparities: High levels of income inequality necessitate social security to bridge the wealth gap, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources. According to World Bank data, as of 2020, India’s GINI index, measuring income inequality, was 35.7.
• Aging Population: With a growing elderly population, social security programs like pensions become crucial to provide financial support for retirees.
• Job Insecurity: In a dynamic job market, social security safeguards against unemployment, offering financial assistance during job transitions. Unemployment rates in India averaged 6.22% from 1983 to 2021, emphasizing the need for unemployment benefits and job security measures.
• Healthcare Challenges: Rising healthcare costs underscore the need for robust health insurance and medical benefits within social security frameworks.
• Vulnerability to Disasters: Social security helps communities cope with the aftermath of natural disasters, providing financial aid for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
• Education Access: Social security initiatives can facilitate educational opportunities, reducing barriers for marginalized groups and promoting inclusive development.
• Rural-Urban Disparities: Addressing disparities between rural and urban areas requires targeted social security interventions to uplift marginalized communities.

Ways to strengthen social security in India

• The need of the hour for India is to consolidate its existing social security schemes/ad hoc measures and provide universal social security to its entire labor workforce.With jobs becoming increasingly on-demand and hire/fire policies proliferating, India’s workers are increasingly insecure on the job front.
• To have the fruits of growth trickle down while offering a sense of social security, policymakers must discard traditional supply-side economic theories to embrace policies that enable equitable growth.
• Expanding contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)system can provide increased social security for formal workers. This involves both employers and employees contributing to the fund.
• Informal workers with meaningful income, whether self-employed or in informal enterprises, could make partial contributions. Encouraging informal enterprises to formalize and contribute could be part of this approach.
• Providing government subsidies or social assistance to those unable to contribute due to unemployment, underemployment, or low earnings ensures that everyone has access to basic social security support.
• Investing in digital platforms and data systems streamlines the registration, verification, delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of social security services, improving efficiency and transparency.
• The e-Shram platform’s expansion and digitization efforts have enabled the enrolment of millions of workers and extended insurance coverage. However, the burden of registration should not solely rest on informal workers; involving employers could encourage formalization.
• Implementing mandatory social security entitlements for employees, enforced by their employers, would foster formalization and accountability in employee-employer relationships.
• Introducing a nationwide labor force card could simplify the registration process and expand social security coverage beyond the construction and gig worker sectors.
• Successful schemes like the Building and Other Construction Workers Schemes could be expanded to cover a broader range of workers. This might require revisiting certain restrictions, such as the cooling-off period, for improved benefit portability.
• Special attention should be given to vulnerable worker groups, such as domestic workers and migrants. Expanding coverage of social services like child care and organizing efforts for domestic workers could provide them with more stability.
• The government may also strengthen existing schemes, for example the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI), and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), with budgetary support and expansion of coverage.
• There is a need to simplify the administrative frameworkof social security programs. For example, the existing social security framework for unorganized workers has become complex, with overlapping areas of authority between the State and Centre, and confusing definitions being used such as between a platform worker, an unorganized worker and someone who is self-employed.
• There’s a need for a more significant push to raise awareness about social security to ensure that more workers are aware of the available benefits. Organizations such as the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) which run Shakti Kendras (worker facilitation centers), may be funded to run campaigns (especially for women) to provide greater information on social security rights, along with services and schemes that the government offers.

General Studies – 4

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

6. Explain the moral philosophy of Eudaimonism with examples. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Reference: newworldencyclopedia.org

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:  

Detailed description of the concept of Eudaimonism, its proponents, few examples and its applicability.

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: 

Start by defining Eudaimonism

Body:

Detailed description of the association of the concept with Virtue ethics, Egoism and ethical Individualism. Contrast this concept to hedonism and give examples such as Volunteering for community action etc, which gives personal satisfaction as well as fulfils man’s potential. Explain with examples.

Conclusion:

Give criticism of Eudaimonism by Kant for a balanced view on the topic.

Introduction

Eudaimonism  is a moral philosophy that defines right action as that which leads to the “well-being” of the individual, thus holding “well-being” as having essential value. It makes up part of the system of Virtue Ethics propounded by the ancient Greek philosophers, in which a lifetime of practicing the virtues in one’s everyday activities, subject to the exercise of practical wisdom to resolve any conflicts or dilemmas which might arise, will allow the individual to flourish and live the good life

The term “eudaimonia” is a classical Greek word, commonly translated as “happiness”, but perhaps better described as “well-being” or “human flourishing” or “good life”. More literally it means “having a good guardian spirit”.

Body:

The philosophy of Eudaimonia:

• Eudaimonia as the ultimate goal is an objective, not a subjective, state, and it characterizes the well-lived life, irrespective of the emotional stateof the person experiencing it.
• In more general terms, Eudaimonism can be thought of as any theory that puts personal happinessand the complete life of the individual at the centre of ethical concern. It can therefore be associated with ethical Individualism and Egoism.
• It is the condition of human flourishing or of living well. The conventional English translation of the ancient Greek term, “happiness,” is unfortunate because eudaimonia, as Aristotle and most other ancient philosophers understood it, does not consist of a state of mind or a feeling of pleasure or contentment, as “happiness” (as it is commonly used) implies.
• For Aristotle, a thing is best understood by looking at its end, purpose, or goal. For example, the purpose of a knife is to cut, and it is by seeing this that one best understands what a knife is; the goal of medicine is good health, and it is by seeing this that one best understands what medicine is, or should be.
• For Aristotle, eudaimonia is the highest human good, the only human good that is desirable for its own sake (as an end in itself) rather than for the sake of something else (as a means toward some other end).
• According to Aristotle, every living or human-made thing, including its parts, has a unique or characteristic function or activity that distinguishes it from all other things.
• It follows that eudaimonia consists of the good performance of the characteristic function of human beings, whatever that may be, and human virtue or excellence is that combination of traits or qualities that enables humans to perform that function well.
• For instance, if you’re a parent, you should excel at raising your children; if you’re a doctor, you should excel at healing people; and if you’re a philosopher, you should excel at gaining knowledge and wisdom, and teaching. Of course, each person plays many roles life, and it’s by excelling in all of them that one achieves Eudaimonia.
• Another example for eudaemonia would be Mother Teresa, who gave her heart and soul for the welfare of the lepers and destitute in India.

Relevance in contemporary times:

• By living our life to the full according to our essential nature as rational beings, we are bound to flourish, that is, to develop and express our full human potential, regardless of the ebb and flow of our good or bad fortune.
• To put this in modern terms, if we develop our thinking skills, if we guard against lies and self-deception, if we train and master our emotions, we will, over the years, make better and better choices, do more and more meaningful things, and derive ever-increasing satisfaction from all that we have become and all that we have achieved, and are yet able to achieve.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be summed up that a life of eudaimonia is a life of striving. It’s a life of pushing yourself to your limits, and finding success. A eudemonistic life will be full of the happiness that comes from achieving something really difficult, rather than just having it handed to you.

Extra information:

Difference between Hedonia (Extreme happiness) and Eudaimonia:

Hedonia, in short, is about:

• pleasure, enjoyment, and satisfaction;
• and the absence of distress.

Eudaimonia is more complex in its nature, it´s about:

• authenticity: clarifying one’s true self and deep values, staying connected with them, and acting in accord with them;
• meaning: understanding a bigger picture, relating to it, and contributing to it. This may include broader aspects of one´s life or identity, a purpose, the long term, the community, society, even the entire ecosystem;
• excellence: striving for higher quality and higher standards in one’s behavior, performance, accomplishments, and ethics;
• personal growth: self-actualization, fulfilling one’s potential and pursuing personal goals; growth, seeking challenges; and maturing as a human being.

Hedonia is associated with:

• physical and emotional needs;
• desire;
• what feels good;
• taking, for me, now;
• ease;
• rights;
• pleasure;
• self-nourishing and self-care; taking care of one’s own needs and desires, typically in the present or near future; reaching personal release and peace, replenishment; energy and joy.

Eudaimonia is associated with:

• cognitive values and ideals
• care;
• what feels right;
• giving, building, something broader, the long-term;
• effort;
• responsibilities;
• elevation;
• cultivating; giving of oneself, investing in a larger aspect of the self, a long-term project, or the surrounding word; quality, rightness, context, the welfare of others.

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

7. The middle path is the core of Buddha’s teaching and can be adopted in all walks of life. Elaborate with examples.

Difficulty level: Tough.

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question:

Key Demand of the question:  

Description of Aristotle’s Golden mean between virtues and vices and how this concept is still applicable to the present society.

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 with a brief middle path of Buddha.

Body:

Write about the concept of ‘middle path’ (madhyamaka) which steers clear of the extremes. Elaborte upon it as it essentially implies avoiding extremes, such as what we are witnessing today-narrow nationalism and unbridled liberalism, religious bigotry and decrying religion, obsession with a glorious past and justifying all things considered modern; in short, blind faith in what one considers right without consideration for the other’s point of view.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning Buddha’s call to avoid extreme ways of practice and walk the middle way of reasonableness is the need of the hour.

Introduction

Buddhist philosophy and doctrines, based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, give meaningful insights about reality and human existence. Buddhism teaches the Middle Path renouncing extreme steps like indulgence and strict abstinence. According to him everyone was responsible for their own happiness in life, stressing upon the individualistic component of Buddhism.

Body

The middle path is the core of Buddha’s teaching and can be adopted in all walks of life.

• It essentially implies avoiding extremes, such as what we are witnessing today-narrow nationalism and unbridled liberalism, religious bigotry and decrying religion, obsession with a glorious past and justifying all things considered modern. g.: blindly targeting a section of people of a particular faith over dress, food etc.
• In short, blind faith in what one considers right without consideration for the other’s point of view.
• Buddha’s call to avoid extreme ways of practice and walk the middle way of reasonableness is the need of the hour. For instance, the ongoing Ukraine war where Russia and NATO are trying to achieve their own ends.
• Buddhism inculcates a lofty system of ethics and what is enunciated in the eight-fold path is a simple yet powerful guide for all individuals including those in high places-political and business leaders, religious seers, bureaucrats and professionals.
• In today’s world of bitter religious and political conflicts, increasing inequalities and inequities, and unscrupulous commercial competition, the ‘middle path’ laid out by the Buddha is the only way to save mankind from the evils of hatred, vituperation and violence.
• One of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations to be achieved by 2030 is ‘Peace and Justice’.
• As peace and sustainable development are interlinked, the Buddha’s prism can be the guiding lights to every single stakeholder from local to global institutions and leaders, to work together for promoting dialogue, harmony, and justice based on compassion and wisdom.

Conclusion

The Buddhist teachings inculcate compassion, calmness & composure, joy among humans and they can help maintain a sustainable balance between man and nature. Buddha’s teachings can transform the societies into their better and more humane forms as reflected by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama “the 20th century was a century of war and violence, now we all need to work to see that the 21st century is of peace and dialogue.’

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