What might appear to be a simple query on the face of it, is perplexing when requested in an examination the place your character is mirrored in what you write or communicate. An necessary concern of many aspirants is that they steadily have the duty of formulating ideas on points that aren’t essentially alien to them however demand a cautious, balanced method when it seems in India’s most tough examination — UPSC. Having a dilemma if their ideas are aimed in the correct route as desired by UPSC, they have a tendency to doubt the selection of their essay — Is that this a trick query? Ought to I try such a query even when it looks like a enjoyable subject? One such subject was requested by UPSC in 2009 in its Essay paper of civil providers examination — Are we a ‘smooth’ state?
The query turns into related as regards to safety points, worldwide relations, diplomacy and many others. With the interview/character check approaching, such questions are a should to be ready. In UPSC Necessities’ particular sequence ‘UPSC Essays Simplified’, we take you thru among the pattern essays written by our skilled Pranay Aggarwal overlaying questions of previous years.
Are we a ‘smooth’ state?
— Pranay Aggarwal
Can a civilizational state which has withstood millennia of invasions and colonization be ‘smooth’? Can a nation whose very essence is the coexistence of chaos and order, range and unity, be considered weak? On the very outset, one is compelled to categorically reject the characterization of India as a smooth state. ‘Smooth state’ – the time period itself reeks of colonial condescension, an try and pigeonhole India into western definitions of energy and order. India defies such simplistic labels, turning what might look like fragility into an unshakable power of cultural, political, and ethical authority. To really perceive India is to know the paradox that its supposed softness is the very basis of its enduring energy.
The time period ‘smooth state’ is used to explain nations struggling to claim authority, however to make use of it for India is a profound misapplication. Removed from being smooth, India exemplifies the energy and flexibility required for a contemporary state. In reality, India’s resilience as a nation-state is unparalleled. Rising from the shadows of colonial exploitation, India adopted a democratic framework that has withstood quite a few challenges – from wars and insurgencies to the pandemic and world financial crises. The flourishing of our democracy within the face of such adversity highlights the robustness of our political establishments. The Indian state has efficiently safeguarded its sovereignty, and in addition built-in various cultures and social teams right into a cohesive nationwide id. Its capability to conduct the world’s largest free and truthful elections, preserve rule of legislation throughout a billion-plus individuals, and maintain one of many fastest-growing economies on this planet underscore its strengths.
The Indian civilizational state, in reality, predates many fashionable European nations which characterize us as ‘smooth’. Bharat has endured over millennia, when different historic civilizations have perished. Bharat’s civilizational continuity is a testomony to its inherent energy and vitality, discrediting any notion of it being a smooth state. Such historic continuity is unparalleled – India just isn’t merely a contemporary state however the heir of a civilization that has demonstrated extraordinary hardiness. As Iqbal rightly noticed “Yunan, Misra, Roma, sab mit gaye jahaan se, Ab tak magar hai baki naam-o-nishan hamara!” Its capability to protect its cultural and social cloth whereas evolving politically underscores the indomitable energy of the Indian state.
The very concept of a smooth state reeks of a colonial hangover and a west-centric worldview. Very like different reductive labels akin to ‘third world’ or ‘failed state’, the smooth state label displays an outdated and patronizing perspective that measures non-western nations towards arbitrary requirements of energy and governance set by the West. Such epithets fail to understand the distinctive contexts and histories of nations like India. The label disregards India’s capability to safeguard its territorial integrity, navigate developmental challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the worldwide order. It additionally reveals the double requirements inherent in these judgments, as many so-called ‘sturdy states’ depend on centralization, corporatism, militarism, and clampdowns of free speech, usually to the detriment of their very own individuals.
For the land of Gandhi and Buddha, what could also be perceived as softness is energy – rooted within the beliefs of non-violence, compassion, and dialogue. What seems smooth to the outsider is, in reality, the hard-earned knowledge of a civilization that has outlived empires. This ethos has formed India’s method to governance and diplomacy, emphasizing consensus over coercion and inclusion over exclusion. Removed from being a weak spot, this ‘softness’ displays resilience – the power to soak up variations and climate adversities. It’s this character that has enabled India to combine various communities, uphold democratic values, and preserve inside concord regardless of challenges. Outwardly, too, the philosophy of non-aggression in direction of different nations doesn’t make India weak. As a substitute, it allows sustained development and fosters enduring relationships.
Whereas rejecting the label of sentimental state for India, one can argue that the Indian state does wield smooth energy. India’s smooth energy emanates from its cultural, religious, and mental traditions. Yoga, Ayurveda, Bollywood, and Indian delicacies have discovered world audiences. The ideas of Satya and Ahimsa championed by Mahatma Gandhi proceed to encourage actions worldwide, whereas India’s democratic success serves as a mannequin for different nations. Initiatives just like the Worldwide Photo voltaic Alliance, Vaccine Maitri throughout Covid, and our management position in local weather change negotiations reveal India’s dedication to world welfare.
Equally, whereas India is way from being a smooth state, we should not harbor illusions of grandeur. We should acknowledge the challenges in our developmental journey. There are stark financial inequalities, regional disparities and boundaries to social mobility. The forms, whereas sturdy in construction, does grapple with inefficiency and corruption. Insufficient social and bodily infrastructure impedes financial development. Rising communal tensions and caste polarization pose challenges to social concord. But, these should not marks of a smooth state; however signs of a creating nation navigating its path amid immense range, complexity, and a quickly altering surroundings. Recognizing these challenges allows India to deal with them with resolve. These challenges, although formidable, should not insurmountable.
These challenges may be overcome with collective effort, with the state taking part in a pivotal position in addressing them. By progressive insurance policies, sturdy implementation, and other people’s participation, these obstacles may be systematically addressed. Strengthening establishments, lowering bureaucratic laxity, and leveraging expertise can guarantee efficient supply of providers. The state can work to bridge regional disparities by specializing in equitable improvement and empowering native governments. Collaborative partnerships with the personal sector, civil society, and worldwide organizations can amplify efforts in areas of training, healthcare, and talent improvement.
Furthermore, challenges in governance should not distinctive to India. In spite of everything, which nation doesn’t face any? Even developed international locations face systemic points. The USA grapples with deep racial inequalities, homelessness disaster, and frequent mass shootings. France and Germany cope with the mixing of migrants, rising right-wing extremism, and labor strikes. Japan is grappling with an financial slowdown and an growing older inhabitants. The UK struggles with political instability and regional discontent in Scotland and Northern Eire. Ought to these states then be labeled as smooth? It could be equally absurd to use the time period to India, whose governance challenges are compounded by its dimension and variety.
In conclusion, India has all the time defied such imposed classes. From the ashes of colonialism, now we have constructed a democratic polity and pluralistic society that, whereas imperfect, has persevered and developed right into a shining instance for the remainder of the world. The Indian state’s seeming softness just isn’t a flaw however a characteristic. It’s a reflection of our dedication to pluralism, negotiation, and inclusive development. It’s not the absence of energy however the presence of persistence, tolerance, and deliberation that defines India. The Indian state, removed from being smooth, displays a quiet confidence that springs from a confident sense of nationwide character, a respect for range and debate, and an inclusive method to governance.
Knowledgeable Tip:
About our Knowledgeable: Pranay Aggarwal is an educator and mentor for aspirants getting ready for UPSC Civil Providers examination. With greater than 10 years of expertise guiding civil service aspirants, he’s acknowledged as an skilled on civil service examination preparation, particularly on topics like Social Points and Sociology. He’s the India consultant on the Analysis Committee on Training, Faith and Political Sociology for UNESCO’s Worldwide Sociological Affiliation and a committee member of Indian Sociological Society and its committee on social actions. He’s additionally the Convenor of Indian Civil Providers Affiliation, a assume tank of senior bureaucrats.
Subscribe to our UPSC publication and keep up to date with the information cues from the previous week.
Keep up to date with the most recent UPSC articles by becoming a member of our Telegram channel – Indian Specific UPSC Hub, and observe us on Instagram and X.
On your queries and options write at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com.
Why must you purchase our Subscription?
You need to be the neatest within the room.
You need entry to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t need to be misled and misinformed.
Select your subscription package deal
