[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 8 March 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
1. India’s higher education system faces challenges that impact the quality, causing skill mismatches, low global rankings, brain drain, and stagnant innovation. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: The write about the challenges facing the higher education system and measures needed to overcome them. Directive word: Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by giving context. Body: First, Identify and explain the major challenges facing the higher education system in India – inadequate infrastructure, shortage of quality faculty, outdated curriculum, and limited research opportunities, challenges related to access and inclusivity, including affordability etc. Next, write about the implications of these challenges on the quality of higher education – outdated curriculum and teaching methodologies on skill development and industry relevance, affordability, regional disparities, and social barriers etc. Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the same. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
The write about the challenges facing the higher education system and measures needed to overcome them.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context.
First, Identify and explain the major challenges facing the higher education system in India – inadequate infrastructure, shortage of quality faculty, outdated curriculum, and limited research opportunities, challenges related to access and inclusivity, including affordability etc.
Next, write about the implications of these challenges on the quality of higher education – outdated curriculum and teaching methodologies on skill development and industry relevance, affordability, regional disparities, and social barriers etc.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
India’s higher education system is the third largest in the world, next to the United States and China. Higher Education sector has witnessed a tremendous increase in the number of Universities/University level Institutions & Colleges since Independence. Some institutions of India, such as IITs, NITs, IIMs have been globally acclaimed for their standard of education.
The landscape of Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) is experiencing rapid evolution, propelled by factors such as changing student expectations, a renewed emphasis on research quality and innovation, burgeoning global collaborations, a fervent desire for international recognition and intense competition in the academic sector among both public and private players. This transformation is also fuelled by accrediting bodies and ranking entities like NAAC, NBA, NIRF, UGC and AICTE, which wield substantial influence, shaping the academic landscape in terms of peer standing, access to grants and funding, student preferences, branding, faculty recruitment and development, and the introduction of new courses.
Challenges facing Higher Education System in India
• India’s focus on expanding the higher education sector to provide access has led to a situation where research and scholarship have been neglected.
• Funding issues: The Central government’s slant toward premier institutions has continued ever since the Eleventh Five Year Plan where in spite of a nine-fold increase in Budget allocation State institutions have been left to fend for themselves with funding mainly directed towards starting more premier institutes. Investment by State governments has been also dwindling each year as higher education is a low-priority area. The University Grant Commission’s system of direct releases to State institutions which bypasses State governments also leads to their sense of alienation. There has been a demand to take spending on education to 6% of gross domestic product for decades.
• The Central government’s slant toward premier institutions has continued ever since the Eleventh Five Year Plan where in spite of a nine-fold increase in Budget allocation State institutions have been left to fend for themselves with funding mainly directed towards starting more premier institutes.
• Investment by State governments has been also dwindling each year as higher education is a low-priority area. The University Grant Commission’s system of direct releases to State institutions which bypasses State governments also leads to their sense of alienation.
• There has been a demand to take spending on education to 6% of gross domestic product for decades.
• Low enrolment:- The gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education is 24.5 meaning out of every 100 youths eligible for higher education, less than 25 are pursuing tertiary education.
• The gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education is 24.5 meaning out of every 100 youths eligible for higher education, less than 25 are pursuing tertiary education.
• Desired levels of research and internationalization of Indian campuses remain weak points
• It follows a largely linear model with very little focus on specialization. Both experts and academics feel Indian higher education is tilted towards social sciences. Only 1.7% colleges run PhD programmes and a mere 33% colleges run postgraduate-level programmes.
• Only 1.7% colleges run PhD programmes and a mere 33% colleges run postgraduate-level programmes.
• Regulatory issues:- The country has a poor record with both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) being seen more as controllers of education than facilitators. As a regulator of India’s higher education, coordinator of vastly different kinds of institutions, and custodian of standards, the UGC had begun to look ill-equipped. Regulatory bodies with licensing powers hurt the autonomy of professional higher education, leading to serious imbalance in the diarchy they were under, and partitioning general from professional higher education in several crucial areas of knowledge. Privately set-up institutions in medicine, engineering, and other fields created the ground conditions in which strict regulation acquired justification. The power to license led to corruption. The existing model is based on deep and pervasive distrust among regulators over the possibility of universities doing things on their own, and doing it well. The current framework that require universities to be constantly regulated by laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and policies set by the government and the regulatory bodies have not produced the best results.
• The country has a poor record with both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) being seen more as controllers of education than facilitators.
• As a regulator of India’s higher education, coordinator of vastly different kinds of institutions, and custodian of standards, the UGC had begun to look ill-equipped.
• Regulatory bodies with licensing powers hurt the autonomy of professional higher education, leading to serious imbalance in the diarchy they were under, and partitioning general from professional higher education in several crucial areas of knowledge.
• Privately set-up institutions in medicine, engineering, and other fields created the ground conditions in which strict regulation acquired justification. The power to license led to corruption.
• The existing model is based on deep and pervasive distrust among regulators over the possibility of universities doing things on their own, and doing it well. The current framework that require universities to be constantly regulated by laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and policies set by the government and the regulatory bodies have not produced the best results.
• Lack of autonomy: All aspects of academic life, including admission norms, syllabus design, and examination were controlled by the affiliating university. In colleges set up and run by the government, recruitment of faculty was the state government’s prerogative. When certain state governments stopped fresh recruitment altogether and moved over to the practice of hiring contractual or ad hoc teachers, no college could practise autonomy to alleviate its suffering. Autonomy to function through their own structures of governance first began to diminish in many provincial or state universities in the sphere of appointment of vice chancellors. State universities could not resist the imposition by those with political power of poorly qualified and unsuitable individuals as vice chancellors.
• All aspects of academic life, including admission norms, syllabus design, and examination were controlled by the affiliating university.
• In colleges set up and run by the government, recruitment of faculty was the state government’s prerogative.
• When certain state governments stopped fresh recruitment altogether and moved over to the practice of hiring contractual or ad hoc teachers, no college could practise autonomy to alleviate its suffering.
• Autonomy to function through their own structures of governance first began to diminish in many provincial or state universities in the sphere of appointment of vice chancellors. State universities could not resist the imposition by those with political power of poorly qualified and unsuitable individuals as vice chancellors.
• The vacancy crisis broke the sense of professional community among teachers and their organisations.Even teacher quality was abysmal
• Ranking systems:– Additional autonomy granted on the basis of NAAC rating and status in NIRF begs questions about these systems of evaluation. They are neither authentic nor valid. The reason they lack authenticity lies in the processes through which they are derived. The NAAC is based on an inspectorial process. Its reliability suffers from both ends involved in any inspectorial system in our ethos. NIRF’s need arose from India’s poor performance in global ranking systems but the question is if Indian institutions of higher learning were found to be generally too poor to be noticed globally, how would they get any better if ranked among themselves
• Additional autonomy granted on the basis of NAAC rating and status in NIRF begs questions about these systems of evaluation. They are neither authentic nor valid. The reason they lack authenticity lies in the processes through which they are derived.
• The NAAC is based on an inspectorial process. Its reliability suffers from both ends involved in any inspectorial system in our ethos.
• NIRF’s need arose from India’s poor performance in global ranking systems but the question is if Indian institutions of higher learning were found to be generally too poor to be noticed globally, how would they get any better if ranked among themselves
• Roots of Vulnerability Currently there is a dominant ideology of commercialisation of knowledge and teaching. Higher education is not leading to graduates entering the work sector as the education is not in sync with the needs of the companies.
• Currently there is a dominant ideology of commercialisation of knowledge and teaching.
• Higher education is not leading to graduates entering the work sector as the education is not in sync with the needs of the companies.
Measures needed to bolster Higher Education System
• Restructure or merge different higher education regulators (UGC, AICTE, NCTE etc.) to ensure effective coordination.
• Amend UGC Act to give legislative backing to regulatory structure.
• Allow foreign institutions to operate joint degree programmes with Indian institutions.
• Link University grants to performance.
• Select Vice-Chancellors of universities through a transparent & objective process.
• Broaden the scope of Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs) and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to provide access to quality educationbeyond geographical boundaries.
• All central universities should develop strategic plans for getting into the top 500 global universities rankings in the next 10 years.
• Funding to these institutions should be linked to performance and outcomesthrough the MHRD and newly constituted Higher Education Funding Agency.
• The goals of the higher education, for that matter any education system of any country is expansion with inclusion, ensuring quality and relevant education.
• To meet these challenges, there is a need for policyto identify the jet issues involved, to build up on the earlier policies, and to take a step ahead.
Way forward
• Research cannot be improved merely by regulating universities, instead they need efforts to create enabling atmospherefor which it is imperative to grant more autonomy, better funding and new instruments to regulate work ethic.
• New initiativeslike Hackathon, curriculum reform, anytime anywhere learning through SWAYAM, teacher training are all aimed at improving quality. These need to be effectively implemented.
• As India wants to transform its universities into world class institutions, it must safeguard the interests of young researchers and thousands of temporary faculty members by expediting the permanent appointments in a time-bound framework and transparent manner.
• Establish world-class multidisciplinary research universities
• Create a master planfor every state and union territory
• Each state must establish an integrated higher education master planto provide an excellent education for all its residents.
• Attract the best and the brightest talent to be faculty members
• One of the fundamental changes India must institutionalize is a radically new compensationand incentive structure for faculty members. A flexibility to pay differential salaries based on market forces and merit must be part of this transformation.
• Thus a complete revamp is neededto meet the present demand and address the future challenge that India is about to face.
• To reap the diverse culture demographic dividendand to maintain peace and social harmony among them quality education with values are the necessary area to focus.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
2. Addressing India’s healthcare challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening healthcare infrastructure and implementing a systematic healthcare system. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about the healthcare challenges faced by India, discuss the importance of infrastructure support, and explore the significance of a systematic approach in achieving universal healthcare. Directive: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the healthcare challenges in India: inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of essential services in rural areas, high burden of out-of-pocket expenses etc. Next, write about importance of infrastructure support: investment in healthcare infrastructure, enhancement of primary care facilities, improvement of healthcare access and quality etc. Next, write about significance of a systematic approach: implementation of health insurance schemes, focus on preventive and primary healthcare and addressing issues like sanitation and nutrition etc. Conclusion: Conclude writing a way forward.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the healthcare challenges faced by India, discuss the importance of infrastructure support, and explore the significance of a systematic approach in achieving universal healthcare.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
First, write about the healthcare challenges in India: inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of essential services in rural areas, high burden of out-of-pocket expenses etc.
Next, write about importance of infrastructure support: investment in healthcare infrastructure, enhancement of primary care facilities, improvement of healthcare access and quality etc.
Next, write about significance of a systematic approach: implementation of health insurance schemes, focus on preventive and primary healthcare and addressing issues like sanitation and nutrition etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude writing a way forward.
Introduction
Healthcare provisions in India is grossly inadequate and access to healthcare is highly inequitable. Lack of efficient public healthcare and burden of out-of-pocket health expenditures reduces people’s capacity or disables them from investing in the human capital of their children.
In India, a large portion of the population is below the poverty line, therefore, they do not have easy access to primary health and education. There is growing inequality across social groups and income groups which translates itself into poor socio-economic mobility.
Some recent achievements in the health sector:
• NFHS-5: Total fertility rate (TFR):India achieved a TFR of 2.1 (replacement level) in 2020. Maternal and infant mortality:Even in the BIMARU states, hospital deliveries have soared to 89%.
• Total fertility rate (TFR):India achieved a TFR of 2.1 (replacement level) in 2020.
• Maternal and infant mortality:Even in the BIMARU states, hospital deliveries have soared to 89%.
• Increase in insurance coverage: 74% of Indians are either covered or eligible for health insurance coverage. Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme(2018) provides insurance against hospitalisation for up to Rs 5 lakh per year per family.
• Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme(2018) provides insurance against hospitalisation for up to Rs 5 lakh per year per family.
Healthcare challenges in India
• Finance: At about 1.3% of the national income, India’s public healthcare spending between 2008 and 2015, has virtually remained stagnant. This is way less than the global average of 6 per cent. It is a herculean task to implement a scheme that could potentially cost Rs 5 lakh per person and benefit 53.7 crore out of India’s 121 crore citizenry, or roughly about 44% of the country’s population. Over 70 per cent of the total healthcare expenditure is accounted for by the private sector.
• Crumbling public health infrastructure: Given the country’s crumbling public healthcare infrastructure, most patients are forced to go to private clinics and hospitals. There is a shortage of PHCs (22%) and sub-health centres (20%), while only 7% sub-health centres and 12% primary health centres meet Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms.
• High Out of Pocket Expenditure: Reports suggest that 70% of the medical spending is from the patient’s pockets leading to huge burden and pushing many into poverty. Most consumers complain of rising costs. Hundred days into the PMJAY, it remains to be seen if private hospitals provide knee replacement at Rs 80,000 (current charges Rs 3.5 lakh) bypass surgery at Rs 1.7 lakh (against Rs 4 lakh).
• Insurance: India has one of the lowest per capita healthcare expenditures in the world. Government contribution to insurance stands at roughly 32 percent, as opposed to 83.5 percent in the UK. The high out-of-pocket expenses in India stem from the fact that 76 percent of Indians do not have health insurance.
• Doctor-Density Ratio: The WHO reports the doctor-density ratio in India at 8 per 10,000 people as against one doctor for a population of 1,000. To achieve such access, merely increasing the number of primary and secondary healthcare centres is not enough.
• Shortage of Medical Personnel: Data by IndiaSpend show that there is a staggering shortage of medical and paramedical staff at all levels of care: 10,907 auxiliary nurse midwives and 3,673 doctors are needed at sub-health and primary health centres, while for community health centres the figure is 18,422 specialists.
• Rural-urban disparity: The rural healthcare infrastructure is three-tiered and includes a sub-center, primary health centre (PHC) and CHC. PHCs are short of more than 3,000 doctors, with the shortage up by 200 per cent over the last 10 years to 27,421. Private hospitals don’t have adequate presence in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and there is a trend towards super specialisation in Tier-1 cities.
• Social Inequality: The growth of health facilities has been highly imbalanced in India. Rural, hilly and remote areas of the country are under served while in urban areas and cities, health facility is well developed. The SC/ST and the poor people are far away from modern health service.
• Poor healthcare ranking: India ranks as low as 145th among 195 countries in healthcare quality and accessibility, behind even Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
• Commercial motive: lack of transparency and unethical practices in the private sector.
• Lack of level playing field between the public and private hospitals: This has been a major concern as public hospitals would continue receiving budgetary support. This would dissuade the private players from actively participating in the scheme.
• Scheme flaws: The overall situation with the National Health Mission, India’s flagship programme in primary health care, continues to be dismal. The NHM’s share in the health budget fell from 73% in 2006 to 50% in 2019 in the absence of uniform and substantial increases in health spending by States.
Measures needed
• To engineer an inclusive and sustainable growth for India, the social infrastructure like education, health and social protection are being given utmost priority by the Government
• The gaps in the expenditure on social infrastructure like health and education should be closed by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of the government initiatives. Protecting and investing in people’s health, education, and skilling is vital for reducing income inequality, and sustained inclusive economic growth.
• Protecting and investing in people’s health, education, and skilling is vital for reducing income inequality, and sustained inclusive economic growth.
• India needs to increase its spending on health and education. As recommended by the National Health Policy 2017 and the NEP 2020, India needs to increase its spending on health and education to at least 2.5 % in 6 % of GDP respectively from its current levels. Enhancing policies to maintain and even increase health and longevity will therefore be necessary.
• The current situation calls for more and better schools, especially in rural areas. It also calls for better transportation links between rural areas and regional urban hubs.
• India has to invest more in human capital formation at all levels, from primary education to higher education, cutting-edge research and development as well as on vocational training to increase the skill sets of its growing working-age population.
• The flagship schemes such as Skill India, Make in India, and Digital India have to be implemented to achieve convergence between skill training and employment generation.
• Bridging the gender gaps in education, skill development, employment, earnings and reducing social inequalities prevalent in the society have been the underlying goals of the development strategy to enhance human capabilities.
• Improved infrastructure, skill development, access to easy finance, reducing barriers to entrepreneurship and forums for mentorship of emerging entrepreneurs in partnership with corporates are some of measures.
• Decentralized models of development: Social policies for each state must be differentiated to accommodate different rates of population growth. The populations in south and west India are growing at a much slower pace than in the central and eastern states.
Conclusion
A multi-pronged approach is imperative to reap the demographic dividend. There is also a need to engage with the youth and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship. The demographic dividend offers them a unique opportunity to boost living standards, but they must act now to manage their older populations in the near future by implementing policies that ensure a safe and efficient transition from the first demographic dividend to the second demographic dividend. India has shown how the impossible can be achieved. What is needed is out-of-the-box thinking and the resolve to steer the ship before a storm arrives.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
3. Living with integrity leads to a sense of personal fulfillment. Knowing that one’s actions are aligned with ethical principles contributes to a positive and purposeful life. Discuss. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To write about how integrity influences personal growth, ethical conduct, and the overall welfare of individuals and society. Directive: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start the answer by defining integrity. Body: Write about and explain how integrity fosters personal growth by promoting self-awareness, accountability, and consistency between one’s values and actions. Discuss the role of integrity in ethical behaviour, emphasizing how it cultivates honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for others. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how integrity influences personal growth, ethical conduct, and the overall welfare of individuals and society.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start the answer by defining integrity.
Write about and explain how integrity fosters personal growth by promoting self-awareness, accountability, and consistency between one’s values and actions. Discuss the role of integrity in ethical behaviour, emphasizing how it cultivates honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for others.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Integrity refers to the quality of being honest, having strong moral principles, and consistently acting in accordance with those principles, even when faced with challenges or temptations. People with integrity are known for their reliability, trustworthiness, and adherence to ethical standards. They are guided by a strong sense of personal and professional ethics, and their behavior reflects their inner values, regardless of external influences. In essence, integrity involves being true to oneself and upholding moral virtues in all aspects of life.
Contribution of Integrity
• Personal Growth:Integrity is crucial for personal growth as it involves self-reflection and aligning one’s actions with their values. When individuals consistently act with integrity, they develop a sense of self-respect and build a strong character. By upholding their principles, they become more self-aware and gain a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and values. This self-awareness allows them to make choices that are in line with their authentic selves and fosters personal development and growth.
• Ethical Behavior:Integrity is closely linked to ethical behavior. It forms the foundation of moral decision-making and guides individuals to act in an honest, fair, and just manner. When people possess integrity, they are more likely to adhere to ethical principles and standards, even in challenging situations. Their actions are consistent with their moral compass, and they prioritize doing what is right over personal gain or societal pressures. This commitment to ethical behavior enhances trust and respect within relationships, organizations, and society as a whole.
• Overall Well-being of Individuals: Acting with integrity contributes to an individual’s overall well-being. When people live in alignment with their values,they experience a sense of harmony and authenticity. They don’t have to grapple with the internal conflict that arises from behaving in ways that contradict their beliefs. This internal congruence promotes psychological well-being, self-confidence, and inner peace. Additionally, individuals with integrity tend to build stronger relationships and connections with others, fostering a supportive and trustworthy social environment, which further enhances their well-being.
• Overall Well-being of Society: Integrity is crucial for the well-being of society. In a society where individuals prioritize honesty, fairness, and accountability, trust is established. People can rely on one another, leading to stronger social cohesion and cooperation. Ethical behavior becomes the norm, resulting in a just and harmonious community. Moreover, leaders who exhibit integrity inspire others to follow suit and create positive role models. Integrity helps to prevent corruption, injustice, and unethical practices, which are detrimental to the progress and well-being of society.
Conclusion
In summary, the virtue of integrity is essential for personal growth, ethical behavior, and the overall well-being of individuals and society. It fosters self-awareness, moral decision-making, psychological well-being, and the establishment of trust and cooperation. Upholding integrity leads to a more harmonious and just society where individuals can thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
4. The philanthropic culture of India is characterized by a deep sense of social responsibility, rooted in cultural and religious traditions. Comment. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To write about the philanthropic culture of India. Directive: Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by giving context. Body: Write about the Philanthropy in India – from business houses to individuals – trace the journey of great philanthropes of India since independence and right up to the COVID-19 and the PM cares fund. Highlight the significance of the above. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the philanthropic culture of India.
Directive:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context.
Write about the Philanthropy in India – from business houses to individuals – trace the journey of great philanthropes of India since independence and right up to the COVID-19 and the PM cares fund.
Highlight the significance of the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
For India, philanthropy is not a new phenomenon. The culture of philanthropy is as old as India itself, which has a history spanning thousands of years. One who enjoys abundance without sharing with others is indeed a thief, says the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata.
There are many who continue to imbibe these values even though the India of today may bear little resemblance to the civilization described in these ancient texts.
Take the case of Suhasini Mistry, a poor domestic help who set up a charitable hospital called Humanity Hospital in Hanspukur, Joka, West Bengal.
At 23, Mistry lost her husband and had to fend for herself and her four children. Her husband died because they could not afford proper medical treatment. The memory stayed with Mistry, and she decided to try and help people who may face similar difficulties.
She did a host of odd jobs from cleaning dishes to selling vegetables, and managed to save ₹ 20,000, while educating her son Ajoy Mistry to become a doctor with the help of some philanthropists. In 1996, with the help of some locals and her savings, she set up a small hospital, working out of a hut. Today, the hospital is run under the umbrella of Humanity Trust.
Another example is of head of Infosys Foundation, Smt Sudha Murthy. She has worked tirelessly for the liberation of Devadasis of North Karnataka. Sudha has rebuilt the lives of many such helpless women and helped them find a new purpose in life.
Charity and philanthropy has been in the ethos of the Indian traditions. Individuals and religious institutions have been contributing to the welfare of the poor since antiquity. Alms giving, offering food, and giving zakat, the Muslim tradition of giving, are some of the forms of charity motivated by Indian religious beliefs.
Conclusion
It is at the heart and soul of ethos of India and Indians to be charitable. The greater good of people and society is the main aim of philanthropy. The idea is to improve human welfare around us and make the world a better place for those who are under-privileged.
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