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16 Aug 2023
GS Paper 4
Theoretical Questions
Day 27: What does this quotation means to you:
“The highest manifestation of strength is to keep ourselves calm and on our own feet.”
-Swami Vivekanand. (150 words)- Start the answer by explaining the quotation.
- Discuss the meaning of manifestation of strength.
- Discuss how to achieve higher manifestation of strength.
- Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
The above quote highlights the essence of inner strength and self-reliance. It emphasizes the idea that true strength comes from maintaining composure and self-sufficiency in the face of challenges and adversities.
Meaning of higher manifestation of strength:
The higher manifestation of strength lies in the ability to exercise ethical values and principles in challenging situations.
- Compassion and Empathy: Demonstrating compassion and empathy towards others, especially in times of adversity, showcases true strength. Helping those in need and showing understanding can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers tirelessly served patients, often putting their own lives at risk. Their compassion and empathy for the sick and suffering demonstrated the higher manifestation of strength.
- Integrity and Honesty: Upholding integrity and honesty, even in the face of temptation or pressure, showcases strength of character.
- Satyendra Dubey, a civil engineer, demonstrated immense integrity when he exposed corruption in government projects. Despite facing threats to his life, he chose to uphold honesty and ethical values, ultimately sacrificing his life for the greater good.
- Resilience and Perseverance: Overcoming challenges with resilience and perseverance exhibits inner strength and determination. It involves bouncing back from setbacks and continuing to pursue goals with unwavering resolve.
- Arunima Sinha, a former national-level volleyball player, became the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. Her resilience and perseverance after surviving a tragic incident of being pushed off a moving train showcased her higher manifestation of strength.
- Justice and Fairness: Striving for justice and fairness in all dealings reflects moral strength. Treating others equitably and standing up against injustice are actions that demonstrate ethical fortitude.
- Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, a retired Supreme Court judge, was known for his commitment to social justice. He delivered landmark judgments in favor of marginalized and oppressed sections of society, reflecting his dedication to fairness and justice.
- Generosity and Altruism: Displaying generosity and altruism by contributing to the welfare of others without expecting anything in return embodies the essence of ethical strength.
- Azim Premji, an Indian philanthropist, has donated a significant portion of his wealth to education and social causes. His generosity and altruistic endeavors have made a transformative impact on society.
Ways to develop higher manifestation of strength:
Attaining the higher manifestation of strength requires conscious effort and personal growth.
- Develop Emotional Intelligence: Cultivate emotional intelligence to understand and manage your emotions effectively. This includes self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills.
- Dr. K. Jayakumar, an IAS officer, demonstrated emotional intelligence during his tenure as the District Collector of Malappuram, Kerala. He showed empathy and compassion towards the flood-affected people and actively engaged with communities to address their needs.
- Foster Resilience through Challenges: Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Develop resilience by learning from failures and bouncing back stronger.
- Ummul Kher, a visually impaired IAS officer, achieved remarkable success by overcoming obstacles and adversities throughout her journey.
- Cultivate Inner Strength: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or introspection to build inner strength and mental fortitude. Strengthening your inner self allows you to face difficulties with composure.
- Ira Singhal, an IAS officer, who secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination despite facing physical challenges, demonstrated remarkable inner strength and determination.
- Promote Integrity and Ethics: Uphold integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of life and decision-making. Adhering to moral values builds credibility and strength of character.
- T. N. Seshan, a former IAS officer who served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India, is remembered for his uncompromising integrity and relentless efforts to ensure free and fair elections.
- Seek Continuous Learning: Embrace a growth mindset and continually seek knowledge and skills. Embracing a learning-oriented approach fosters adaptability and the ability to tackle new challenges.
- R. Natarajan, an IAS officer, is known for his proactive and innovative approach in implementing e-governance initiatives, showcasing the importance of continuous learning to stay updated and relevant in a rapidly evolving world.
Attaining the higher manifestation of strength requires self-awareness, self-improvement, and ethical conduct. By emulating their examples and incorporating these principles into our lives, we can cultivate our inner strength and resilience to face life's trials with grace and courage.