Essay (UPSC + Psc )

The Dilemma of Dronacharya

Anecdote: Once upon a time in the ancient kingdom of Hastinapur, Dronacharya, the revered royal guru, faced a moral crossroads. Among his disciples, Arjuna stood out as his favorite, destined to become the greatest archer of his time. One day, during a hunting expedition, Drona and his pupils encountered a remarkable display of archery a dog silenced by arrows without harm. The archer, Eklavya, a Nishad prince, emerged from the forest. Despite being denied formal training, Eklavya had honed his skills independently, idolizing Drona through a clay idol. Impressed yet uneasy, Drona demanded his guru dakshina: Eklavya’s thumb. With unwavering respect for his “guru,” Eklavya sacrificed his thumb, effectively ending his archery aspirations. This incident sparked debates over duty and morality. From one perspective, Dronacharya’s actions upheld his duty to the crown, ensuring no rivals to the princes’ supremacy, particularly Arjuna’s. However, critics argue that Drona’s demand epitomized social discrimination, denying merit and perpetuating systemic inequality. The story reflects the complexity of dharma, where the lines between loyalty, fairness, and justice blur. It challenges us to question: Should duty to power outweigh the principles of equity and inclusivity? And how do leaders balance personal loyalties with the greater good?

Tulsi Gowda: Encyclopaedia Of Forest

Anecdote: Tulsi Gowda, known as the “tree goddess” and the “encyclopaedia of forest,” devoted her life to environmental conservation despite humble beginnings. Born in 1944 in a small village in Karnataka, tragedy struck early when she lost her father at the age of two. Growing up in poverty, she forwent formal education and worked alongside her mother in a local forest nursery. Her deep connection with nature and exceptional knowledge of forests became evident when she began identifying mother trees and nurturing seeds for afforestation projects. Through sheer dedication and self-taught expertise, she transformed barren lands into thriving ecosystems. Over 35 years as a daily wage worker and another 15 years as a permanent employee at the Karnataka Forest Department, she played a pivotal role in planting over 1 lakh trees, protecting wildlife, and preventing forest fires. Her work strengthened biodiversity in reserves and sanctuaries across Karnataka. In 2021, she was honoured with the Padma Shri for her unparalleled contributions, leaving behind a legacy of ecological restoration and environmental stewardship.

Falguni Nayar


Anecdote:  In 2012, Falguni Nayar left her successful investment banking career at 50 to start Nykaa with $2 million and a vision to make quality beauty products accessible to Indian women. From her father’s small office, she meticulously studied consumer behavior, onboarded trusted brands, and built a seamless online platform despite skepticism. Her efforts paid off when Nykaa became India’s first woman-led unicorn in 2020, valued at $2.3 billion. Today, as one of India’s two self-made female billionaires, Nayar’s journey exemplifies resilience, proving that success has no age limit and dreams are worth pursuing.

The King’s Painting 

There was a king with only one leg and one eye but was generous and competent as a ruler. One day while walking in his palace, the king noticed the portraits of his ancestors along the hallway. He also wanted his portrait painted by an artist but was unsure how it would turn out due to his physical abnormalities. The King invited all the painters across the kingdoms and asked who could paint a beautiful picture of him. The painters were confused about how to make a beautiful picture of the King with only one leg and one eye.

All the painters politely refused to make a painting of the King. Then one young painter came forward and ensured to make a beautiful portrait of the King. After a few days, the young painter unveiled the portrait in the court in which the King was seen sitting on the horse with one leg visible, holding his bow and aiming the arrow with one eye closed. There was no sign of physical deficiencies in the king in the painting. The King was pleased to see that the painter had creatively presented the King’s positive characteristics but not highlighted the abnormalities.

Moral: Look at the positive aspects of someone without emphasizing the limitations.

What is “Bulldozer Raj” and the Supreme Court’s Judgment?

1 Definition: “Bulldozer Raj” refers to the practice of demolishing homes of accused individuals, often in communal or protest-related contexts, as a form of vigilante justice.
2 Origins: It began during the Citizenship Amendment Act-National Register of Citizens protests and spread across India.
3 Targeted Actions: Often focused on marginalized communities; demolitions were celebrated by politicians as instant justice but justified as action against “illegal constructions.”
4 Supreme Court’s Judgment:
• Declared demolitions without due process illegal.
• Mandated 15 days’ notice, personal hearings, and a right to appeal before demolitions.
• Proportionality Clause: Authorities must justify, in writing, why demolition is necessary and explore alternatives like regularization or partial demolition.
• Accountability: Officials involved in illegal demolitions will be held personally liable.
What are the issues with this Judgement?
1 Delay in Judicial Action: The practice of vigilante demolitions began three years ago, during the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. Despite multiple legal challenges, the Court acted only now, raising concerns about delayed protection of fundamental rights.
2 Lack of Clarity on Past Demolitions: The judgment did not specify how to compensate victims of earlier demolitions. Although it held officials personally liable for illegal actions, mechanisms for redress remain unclear.
3 Avoidance of Direct Accountability: The Court framed the issue hypothetically, avoiding clear acknowledgment of targeted demolitions, even when evidence showed selective demolitions and communal bias.
4 Exclusion of Vulnerable Groups: The judgment excluded slums and informal settlements, leaving the poorest communities unprotected from demolitions.
5 Enforcement Concerns: Previous guidelines on lynching and hate speech failed due to lack of enforcement. Similar risks exist for this ruling.
What are the deeper issues with democracy?
1 Majoritarianism: Democracy is reduced to majority rule, undermining negotiation and compromise. Numeric dominance often targets minority communities, as seen in communal demolitions and bulldozer justice.
2 Craving for Strong Leaders: There is growing demand for leaders who bypass procedures, celebrated as “tough.” For example, banners glorified Maharashtra’s Deputy CM after an encounter.
3 Misinterpretation of Elections: Elections are viewed as mandates, granting unchecked power. Leaders behave like kings, ignoring norms. Practices like “guardian ministers” reinforce this.
4 Erosion of Institutional Checks: A survey by Lokniti revealed 33% believed courts and institutions are unnecessary to check leaders’ powers.
5 Bulldozing Procedures: Instant justice actions like demolitions bypass due process. For instance, notices were backdated to justify demolitions, targeting slums and marginalized groups.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s judgment on “bulldozer justice” highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic values. Guidelines like notice, hearings, and proportionality aim to prevent misuse of demolitions. However, deeper issues remain, such as majoritarianism, impatience with democratic procedures, and the misuse of power by elected leaders. The “conceptual bulldozer” undermines democracy through excessive statism and populist governance, threatening citizens’ rights and foundational norms.

For instance, the Danish concept of hygge (a sense of coziness and well-being) and the Japanese practice of ikigai (a sense of purpose that brings joy) both embrace the notion that happiness is found in everyday moments. These practices highlight the importance of slowing down, appreciating simple pleasures, and building relationships that enrich life.

Conclusion

The saying "There is no path to happiness; happiness is the path" serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of happiness is not about reaching a distant goal, but about how we choose to live every day. Happiness lies in embracing the journey itself, fostering gratitude, practicing mindfulness, and finding joy in the present moment. By shifting focus from seeking happiness as an outcome to recognizing it as a part of daily life, individuals can live richer, more fulfilled lives. This mindset empowers people to transform ordinary experiences into moments of profound contentment, proving that happiness is not a final destination, but an ever-present companion on life’s path.

There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.


The saying, "There is no path to happiness; happiness is the path," encapsulates a profound and often overlooked truth about the pursuit of happiness. In a world where goals, achievements, and external validations are highly valued, this phrase serves as a reminder that true contentment is found not in what we achieve, but in how we live our daily lives. It shifts the focus from seeing happiness as an endpoint or a goal to understanding that it is woven into the process of living itself.

The Fallacy of Future Happiness

Many people live under the assumption that happiness is a state they will reach after achieving certain milestones: graduating from school, securing a well-paying job, getting married, or buying a dream house. This belief system implies that happiness is always around the corner, dependent on circumstances or achievements. While goals can bring moments of satisfaction, this mindset can often lead to an endless cycle of desire and temporary fulfillment. Once one milestone is achieved, another one appears, and happiness remains elusive.

This approach to life overlooks the simple truth that happiness cannot be postponed or deferred. Treating happiness as a destination can create a life filled with anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction as people constantly chase an ever-moving target. In the end, the idea that happiness will come "someday" robs individuals of joy in the present.

Happiness as a Mindset

The essence of the saying, "Happiness is the path," lies in viewing happiness as a state of mind that accompanies you through life's journey. It suggests that happiness is cultivated by how you choose to engage with the present moment. It is a practice of gratitude, mindfulness, and appreciation of the little things in life. This shift in perspective emphasizes that true happiness is not conditional on external achievements, but rather on internal acceptance and awareness.

Mindfulness practices can serve as a powerful example of this concept. When individuals practice mindfulness, they learn to observe their thoughts and surroundings without judgment, savoring the richness of the present. By doing so, even ordinary moments—a morning cup of coffee, a walk in the park, or a heartfelt conversation—become sources of joy. This approach teaches that happiness is found in the journey itself and in the way we experience each moment, regardless of what the future holds.

The Role of Gratitude and Contentment

Another aspect of living with happiness as the path involves cultivating gratitude and contentment. Gratitude shifts focus from what one lacks to what one already has, fostering a sense of abundance and fulfillment. When individuals practice gratitude regularly, they train their minds to notice and appreciate positive experiences and aspects of life that might otherwise go unnoticed. This mindset supports the belief that happiness can exist independently of external successes or failures.

Contentment, on the other hand, means accepting life as it is, even when it falls short of one's ideal vision. It doesn’t mean complacency, but rather a balance between striving for personal growth and being at peace with where one is at any given time. This balance allows individuals to pursue their goals without becoming solely dependent on their achievement for happiness.

Challenges and Real-Life Application

Adopting the mindset that happiness is the path requires a shift in how one approaches daily life. It can be challenging in a society that often measures success by productivity, wealth, and social status. It takes conscious effort to resist the pressure to constantly strive for more and to instead find value in what one already has.

Real-life examples of this philosophy can be found in cultures and practices that emphasize presence and connection.

False consciousness

• Definition: False consciousness is a concept derived from Marxist theory, describing a scenario where individuals act against their own economic interests due to manipulated beliefs and values.
• Theory background: Karl Marx posited that capitalist structures and elite-controlled institutions obscure social realities, preventing workers from recognizing the exploitation they face.
• Media influence: Media outlets can perpetuate false consciousness by presenting themselves as aligned with the working class while promoting elite-driven narratives.
• Culture wars: As observed by journalist Thomas Frank, Republicans engage in cultural battles (e.g., over abortion, immigration, and gender issues) to distract voters from economic concerns, casting these issues as central to American values and traditional morality.
• Significance: This ideological approach enables elites to retain power by fostering division, aligning economic grievances with identity-based struggles, and rallying support for policies that ultimately disadvantage the working class.

“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.”

This quote, often attributed to John F. Kennedy, highlights the idea that conformity—blindly following societal norms or expectations—can limit individual freedom and stifle personal growth. When we conform, we may avoid risks or discomfort, but we also miss opportunities to explore, innovate, and expand our understanding of ourselves and the world. True freedom and growth come from thinking independently, questioning norms, and being willing to venture outside our comfort zones, even when it's difficult or unpopular.


Here are some examples that illustrate this idea:

1. Creativity in Art and Innovation

Many famous artists, inventors, and innovators achieved greatness by breaking away from the norms of their time. For instance, Vincent van Gogh's unique painting style was initially criticized because it didn’t conform to the artistic standards of his time. However, by refusing to conform, he became a pioneer in modern art. Similarly, Steve Jobs and the Apple team revolutionized technology by challenging established tech norms, leading to groundbreaking innovations like the iPhone.


2. Peer Pressure and Personal Choices

Imagine a student who is passionate about art but feels pressure to study a more "prestigious" field like medicine because that’s the norm in their family or society. If the student conforms, they may end up on a career path that doesn’t fulfill them, limiting their freedom to pursue their passion and stifling their potential as an artist. In contrast, by resisting this pressure, they can freely pursue their interests and possibly achieve personal and professional growth.


3. Social Movements and Progress

Many social movements, like the civil rights movement, began because people refused to conform to unjust norms. Rosa Parks’ decision not to give up her bus seat was a pivotal moment in challenging racial segregation laws. By choosing freedom over conformity, she helped spark a movement that led to greater equality and social progress. Had she conformed, society might have taken longer to grow beyond those oppressive norms.


4. Personal Growth and Self-Expression

Conformity can limit personal growth, as seen with individuals who might suppress aspects of their identity due to societal expectations. For instance, someone might feel pressure to hide their true personality or values to fit in with a particular social group. By breaking free of these norms and embracing authenticity, they open themselves up to genuine connections and opportunities for self-discovery.


In each of these examples, conformity represents a barrier to freedom and growth, while challenging it can lead to innovation, fulfillment, and societal progress. True growth comes from questioning the status quo and making choices that align with one’s values and passions.

Shark Bait

A marine biologist put a shark into a big tank at the time of a research experiment. Followed by that, he released some tiny bait fishes into it.
As expected, the shark didn’t wait to attack those fishes and ate them. Later, a clear fiberglass was inserted into the tank which partitioned the tank into two and the shark remained in one side.

A similar set of bait fish was sent to the other side of the tank like before. And the shark attempted to attack those fishes but failed by hitting on the fiberglass.

The shark attempted for several days until it gave up. Later, the biologist removed the glass from the tank but the shark didn’t try to attack the small fishes.

The shark always continues to see a false barrier in the tank and stopped his attempts.

Moral: It is quite common for many people to give up after many setbacks and failures. The story is an example for keep trying always and to never give up despite multiple failures.

Why is Gandhi’s Non-violence relevant today

1 Global Violence: The world faces conflicts like the war in Ukraine and daily killings in Gaza. Violence, human rights abuses, and civil liberty violations show the ongoing relevance of Gandhi’s nonviolent message.

2 Moral Leadership: Gandhi’s teachings offer a path for moral leadership in a world searching for figures like him. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote, “The choice today is no longer between violence and nonviolence; it is either nonviolence or nonexistence.” emphasizes this need.

3 Swaraj and Self-Realization: Gandhi’s concept of swaraj (self-rule) teaches empowerment of the masses to resist authority when it is abused. It’s a model for self-governance and civic responsibility, vital for creating a just society.

4 Nonviolent Struggle: Nonviolence fosters empathy and civic friendship, offering a way to resolve tensions without violence. Gandhi’s emphasis on “common humanity” helps bridge the divide between “we” and “they”.

5 Historical Impact: Gandhi revolutionized modern politics by making it a process of self-examination and nonviolent resistance. His philosophy reshaped the political landscape, proving its lasting relevance in today’s world.

How did different philosophers around the world view Gandhi’s idea of nonviolence?

1 Martin Luther King Jr.: The article indeed mentions Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous quote: “The choice today is no longer between violence and nonviolence; it is either nonviolence or nonexistence.” He is directly linked to Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and how it shaped the civil rights movement in the West.

2 Paul Ricoeur: The article references Paul Ricoeur’s question from 1949: “Under what conditions can the nonviolent individual be something other than a pure person on the margins of history?” This is directly connected to Gandhi’s influence on how nonviolence can reshape history and society.

3 Vaclav Havel: The article also cites Vaclav Havel’s words, where he aligns with Gandhi’s ideas, advocating for values like love, solidarity, and tolerance to shape the human community. He emphasizes acting based on conscience, similar to Gandhi’s principles of moral leadership and nonviolent resistance.

How Relevant is Gandhi’s Legacy Today?

Despite skepticism among the youth, Gandhi’s impact on modern Indian history and global politics is undeniable. His teachings continue to offer a framework for reimagining politics away from force and towards self-reflection and nonviolent action.

Gender Performativity

• Gender Performativity Concept: Introduced by Judith Butler in her 1990 work Gender Trouble, it challenges the traditional, fixed understanding of gender, arguing that gender is not innate but rather socially constructed through repeated actions and behaviors.
• Essentialism vs. Social Constructivism:
◦ Gender Essentialism posits that gender is biologically determined.
◦ Social Constructivism sees gender as created through societal norms and discourse, shaped by external factors such as language, culture, and actions.
• Butler’s View on Sex and Gender: Butler critiques the distinction between biological sex and socially constructed gender, arguing that even biological sex is subject to social interpretation, further complicating the binary understanding of gender.
• Performativity vs. Performance:
◦ Performativity refers to the unconscious repetition of gender norms, giving the illusion of naturalness.
◦ Performance implies a conscious enactment of gender roles.
• Critiques: Transgender theorist Julia Serano critiques Butler, suggesting that gender identity can also emerge from internal, subconscious feelings rather than solely societal norms.
• Impact on Feminism and Queer Theory: Butler’s work has had a major influence on third-wave feminism and queer theory, advocating for a more fluid, non-binary understanding of gender.
In essence, Butler’s theory deconstructs gender norms and proposes that gender is not a fixed attribute but rather a continuous performance shaped by societal expectations.
Judith Butler’s concept of gender performativity can be applied in UPSC essays on:
1 Gender Identity: Highlights fluidity in gender roles shaped by societal norms, relevant to essays on gender inequality, empowerment, or LGBTQ+ rights.
2 Social Constructs: Illustrates how societal expectations influence behaviors beyond gender, including caste, race, and class.
3 Feminism and Queer Theory: Supports arguments in feminist and LGBTQ+ discourse, addressing non-binary identities.