Mains Practice Questions

1. Progress is Impossible Without Change, and Those Who Cannot Change Their Minds Cannot Change Anything

Quotes to Enrich Your Essay:

• George Bernard Shaw: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
• Charles Darwin: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
• Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Theoretical and Philosophical Dimensions:

• Adaptability and Evolution: In biological terms, evolution itself is a process of change driven by natural selection. Just as species must adapt to survive, societies must change to progress.
• The Dialectics of Change: Hegelian philosophy emphasizes that progress occurs through a dialectical process—a conflict between opposing ideas leading to synthesis and growth.
• Resistance to Change: Behavioral psychologists argue that cognitive dissonance often prevents individuals and societies from embracing change, stalling progress.
• Role of Open-Mindedness: John Stuart Mill, in On Liberty, underscores the importance of dissent and debate to challenge existing paradigms and foster progress.

Policy and Historical Examples:

• Abolition of Sati (India): The reform movement led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy faced societal resistance but proved that challenging entrenched beliefs can lead to progress.
• Industrial Revolution: The shift from agrarian economies to industrialized societies revolutionized production, urbanization, and technological advancement, but only because people adapted to the demands of change.

Contemporary Examples:

• Climate Change Adaptation: Transitioning to renewable energy, adopting sustainable lifestyles, and enforcing international agreements like the Paris Accord showcase the necessity of change for environmental progress.
• Digital Transformation: Post-pandemic, the world has embraced remote work, e-governance, and digital literacy, demonstrating how change drives progress in governance and lifestyles.

2. Democracy is Not Merely a Form of Government; It Is Primarily a Mode of Associated Living

Quotes to Enrich Your Essay:

• B.R. Ambedkar: “Democracy is not a form of government, but a form of social organization.”
• Abraham Lincoln: “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
• John Dewey: “Democracy begins in conversation.”

Theoretical and Philosophical Dimensions:

• Democracy as a Way of Life: John Dewey, in his writings, argued that democracy transcends the ballot box. It embodies the spirit of cooperation, dialogue, and collective problem-solving.
• Democracy and Pluralism: Isaiah Berlin’s notion of value pluralism aligns with democracy’s essence—it allows diverse opinions to coexist and enrich public discourse.
• Participatory Democracy: Unlike mere representative systems, participatory democracy emphasizes direct involvement of citizens in governance, ensuring it becomes a "mode of associated living."

Policy and Historical Examples:

• Indian Independence Movement: The freedom struggle united diverse groups, fostering a collective identity and illustrating democracy as associated living.
• Panchayati Raj System in India: Decentralized governance enables grassroots participation, demonstrating how democracy connects communities.

Contemporary Examples:

• Community-Led Development (SDGs): The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals emphasize participatory approaches, such as the involvement of local communities in water management projects.
• Citizen Movements: Movements that led to India’s RTI (Right to Information) Act show that democracy thrives on active citizen engagement.
• Technology and E-Democracy: Tools like MyGov in India or participatory budgeting in Brazil highlight how technology enhances democracy as associated living.
• Public Hearings in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): In India, public hearings are a mandatory step in the EIA process, allowing affected communities to voice concerns about developmental projects such as dams or mines.