UPSC Mains 2013 · GS IV · Q6(a) · 10 marks · 150 words

Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context : “There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” —*Mahatma Gandhi*

हिन्दी में

तीन महान नैतिक विचारकों/दार्शनिकों के अवतरण नीचे दिए गए हैं। आपके लिए प्रत्येक अवतरण का वर्तमान संदर्भ में क्या महत्त्व है, स्पष्ट कीजिए : “पृथ्वी पर हर एक की आवश्यकता-पूर्ति के लिए काफ़ी है पर किसी के लालच के लिए कुछ नहीं।” —*महात्मा गाँधी*

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Nupur GoelAIR 11 · CSE 2019 · 176 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

By this statement, Gandhiji stresses on the self-fulfillment that one achieves by serving others.

Body · continuous prose

In the present day of increasing commodification, self-focussed materialism, the human race has forgotten its roots. By indulging in service to others, they get connected to their soul.

Vivekananda said 'service to jiva is service to shiva'. MS Swaminathan, Anna Hazare, V Kurien are the real life examples of exemplary leaders who are in service of nation.

By helping the stranded people in Kerala floods without any returns, the Kerala fishermen got to know their hidden strength-courage, extreme willpower to face any eventuality.

Even the schools today focus on service trips to oldage homes so that children can develop compassion, dedication & self-actualization.

All the above by serving others, we recognise that we are humans first. It develops our humanity, emotional intelligence & sets us apart from animals.

Even big organisations like Tata Group, Mr Bill Gates, Premji give their service by philanthropy activities. It helps them to connect to the roots of society.

Close · a summary

Thus service is an important quality of humankind.

2 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper IV, Q6(a). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.