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At the convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Bihar, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the continuing relevance of Gandhian non-violence. He connected Bihar's historical legacy, from Buddha to modern leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and , with the need for ethical conduct and nationalism among India's youth. The speech emphasized leveraging new technologies like AI responsibly while upholding India's traditional values.
The speech provides an opportunity to revisit key figures and movements from Modern Indian History that shaped the nation's political conscience. The Vice President specifically mentioned the JP Movement, led by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan. This movement emerged in the mid-1970s as a response to perceived corruption, unemployment, and authoritarianism under the Indira Gandhi government. JP's call for a 'Total Revolution' (Sampoorna Kranti) was not just about changing the government but a systemic transformation of society across social, economic, political, and moral spheres. The movement gained significant traction in Bihar and was a key factor leading to the imposition of the Emergency and the subsequent formation of the first non-Congress government. The mention of Karpoori Thakur, a two-time Bihar Chief Minister, is also significant. Thakur, known as 'Jan Nayak' (People's Hero), was a champion of social justice who implemented pioneering reservation policies for backward classes in Bihar, which became a precursor to the Mandal Commission recommendations. UPSC can ask questions analyzing the long-term impact of the JP Movement on Indian democracy or the role of leaders like Thakur in shaping social justice politics.
The article's central theme revolves around applying Gandhian principles to contemporary governance and public life, a core topic in GS Paper 4 (Ethics). The Vice President's call to embrace nationalism and reject 'non-ethical things' ties directly to the concept of probity in governance. Gandhian philosophy offers several tenets relevant here: Satyagraha (insistence on truth), Ahimsa (non-violence in thought and action), and Sarvodaya (welfare of all). These principles provide an ethical framework for civil servants and policymakers to resolve conflicts, ensure inclusive growth, and maintain high moral standards. The reference to leaders like Rajendra Prasad and Karpoori Thakur, known for their integrity and simple living, serves as a real-world example of ethical leadership. Furthermore, the call for youth to embrace technology with 'responsibility' invokes the ethical challenges posed by AI and data science. Questions for Mains could explore the relevance of Gandhian ethics in combating corruption, promoting social justice, or regulating emerging technologies.
The speech touches upon several social dimensions relevant to the UPSC syllabus. The reference to the university's participation in the Fit India Movement highlights a key government initiative aimed at promoting public health and wellness. Launched in 2019, the movement encourages citizens to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives to create a healthier nation. This links to broader topics in 'Social Issues' such as public health, human development, and the role of government programs in influencing citizen behavior. The mention of visionaries like Karpoori Thakur connects to the theme of social justice and affirmative action. Thakur's formula for layered reservations in Bihar was a landmark step for the empowerment of backward classes. This historical context is crucial for understanding the evolution of reservation policy and the politics of social justice in India. UPSC often frames questions on the effectiveness of government health initiatives or the socio-political impact of affirmative action policies.