Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.

Desmond Tutu famously observed that compassion is one when one is moved to act to alleviate the other's suffering. It involves courage of conviction to stand up for what is right.

Importance for a civil servant

1. Empathy and humane administration. e.g. compassionate Kozhikode.

2. Understanding distinct needs while formulating policy. e.g. Tribal Panchsheel.

3. Going the extra mile to deliver outcomes e.g. Armstrong Pame.

4. Fearlessly standing up for justice and

truth.

1. Rule of law but not just mechanical interpretation.

2. Welfare orientation of state → need for committed, selfless and open bureaucracy.

3. upholding Gandhiji's talisman of working for the poorest and weakest members.

4. Bringing inclusive growth with empowerment to all.

5. Converting beneficiaries → proactive clients (agency).

6. Lifting the organizational work culture by being a leader, not a boss.