GS4 · Topic
Indian Thinkers
Moral thinkers and philosophers from India used as a source: Gandhi, Buddha, Vivekananda, Kautilya, Tiruvalluvar, Ambedkar, Kabir and others.
204 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Indian Thinkers that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Indian ThinkersEthical Theories
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else: you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence" - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What were the major teachings of Adi Shankaracharya? Explain how they are relevant in tackling current social and ethical challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What is an Ideal? What, according to you, shall be the highest Ideal of human life? Explain your position with due justification.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceIndian Thinkers
"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." - Albert Einstein.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Dimensions of EthicsIndian Thinkers
"In contemporary societies witnessing erosion of moral values, legalistic and utilitarian ethical systems often fall short in addressing deeper questions of character and moral motivation." In this context, can virtue ethics offer a sustainable foundation for ethical revival? Critically examine with particular reference to the role of public leadership and responsibility of citizens.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical TheoriesIndian Thinkers
Given below are quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger". — Gautama Buddha.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Indian ThinkersEmotional Intelligence
Citizen's Charter is an important tool for the good governance of public service delivery. Discuss its role in enhancing transparency and combating corruption. 2(b) Discuss the relevance of Thiruvalluvar's teachings in the present context.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Citizens ChartersIndian Thinkers
'To take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, it is not justice.' Comment. Should India do away with capital punishment and instead focus upon other innovative methods? Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Law and MoralityEthical Dilemmas in Government
The above quote by Mahatma Gandhi emphasises on the need for service and that too one with joy and enthusiasm for the greater benefit of both servant and server.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersEthical Dilemmas in Government
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Dimensions of EthicsIntegrity
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr. (b) Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (c) I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. – B.R. Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
"Honest disagreement is often a good sign" - Mahatma Gandhi. What do you understand by this statement in the present day scenario?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
What does the quote mean to you? (a) "Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it."-Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersEthical Theories
Gandhian ideals are present in our constitution in the form of directive principles, fundamental Duties etc. They can today help us to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Bhagvad Gita or the 'songs of the Divine' are a set of moral lessons given to Arjun by Lord Krishna during Mahabharata, they hold immense relevance today.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values
B. R. Ambedkar was an ardent supporter of the claims of liberty, equality and fraternity. Explain the relevance of his teaching in modern day India and how they act as a backbone for our socio-political development.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Given are two quotations of moral thinker/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that".
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What is Kant's categorical imperative? How does it compare with the doctrine of Nishkama Karma?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Indian ThinkersWorld Thinkers
"There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts."-Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Sources of Ethical GuidanceIndian Thinkers
What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” -Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
IntegrityIndian Thinkers
Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "When we are caught up in a destructive emotion, we lose one of our greatest assets: our independence."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Good corporate governance is about intellectual honesty and not just sticking to rules and regulations. Illustrate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Corporate GovernanceIntegrity
Answer the following questions in not more than 150 words each: 1. Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Discuss the concept of nationalism as given by Rabindranath Tagore.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian Thinkers
What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) "When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, the economy flourishes."- Abdul Kalam.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is". Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
AttitudeIndian Thinkers