GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) “Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with ‘what can I give’ spirit.” - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025

Human ValuesIndian ThinkersCorruption

Syllabus: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

How toppers approached it

From all 3 answers · about 140 words · 100% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening2 of 3
  • A restatement1 of 3

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 3
  • Points1 of 3

Close

  • A summary2 of 3
  • No separate close1 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Ishan BhatnagarAIR 5 · CSE 2025 · 121 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

This poignant reflection of Pres Kalam reflects on the true nature & source of corruption in society. It comes from limitless greed since "there is enough to satisfy every one's need, but not one man's greed" (Mahatma Gandhi) Thus, the fight against corruption has to be a fight against greed.

Body · points and prose

Society → endless wants

  • Spiritual bankruptcy → ends > means

Thus, the fight against corruption has to be a fight against greed.

Addressing greed (i) Emphasizing social contribution

diagram Economic Survey

  • naming stadiums etc. after taxpayers
  • rewarding genuine social work

(ii) Attitudinal change by change in school curricula (eg> social volunteering).

(iii) Encourage families in social work

eg> foster care

(iv) using targetted media campaign for demonstration effect of real-life role models like Baba Amte, mother Terese.

(v) Highlight CSR initiatives eg> TATA group

Close · a summary

Hence, the solution to greed lies in a culture that prizes individual contribution "not what you have, but who you are".

More on Human Values

Values as such and where they come from: lessons from the lives of leaders, reformers and administrators, and the values named in the syllabus.

All GS4 questions on Human Values