2014 · GS Paper 4 · Q4(a) · 10 marks

Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development.

In short

Dr B.R. Ambedkar inspires me most, with teachings of constitutional morality, liberty, equality and fraternity, reason over dogma and lawful means. I apply them by protesting through petitions rather than boycotts, objecting to caste remarks and refusing bribes.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Dr B.R. Ambedkar inspires me most because his ethics were tested by his life: a boy denied water at school for his caste rose to doctorates from Columbia and the LSE and chaired the Drafting Committee.
Gist of Ambedkar's Teachings
•

Constitutional morality

On 4 November 1948 he told the Constituent Assembly that constitutional morality "is not a natural sentiment" and "has to be cultivated".

•

Liberty, equality, fraternity

On 25 November 1949 he called the three a union, warning that without equality, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many.

•

Reason over dogma

Annihilation of Caste (1936) asks that customs be tested by reason and justice, not tradition.

•

Constitutional means

He called unconstitutional methods "the grammar of anarchy" once lawful remedies exist.

How I Applied These Teachings
•

Lawful protest

When our hostel mess served poor food, I organised a signed petition and a meeting with the warden instead of a boycott, and the menu committee was revived.

•

Questioning bias

After reading Annihilation of Caste, I now object to caste remarks among friends rather than staying silent, even at some cost to popularity.

•

Rules without favours

I refused a bribe for a certificate and used the online grievance portal, accepting delay over a shortcut.

Conclusion
Ambedkar taught me that ethics is conduct that respects the equal dignity of others within lawful limits. By turning his teachings into daily habits, I hope to carry his constitutional morality into public service.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: From Teaching to Character. From Teaching to Character. Flow: Read the teaching → Reflect on conduct → Act in small choices → Repeat into habit → Settled character
Diagram: From Teaching to Character

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Human Values — lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators3 questions

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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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