2019 · GS Paper 4 · Q6(c) · 10 marks
what do each of the following quotations mean to you? "Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world." — A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
In short
Kalam's quote means that peace in the world radiates outward from a righteous heart, through good character, family harmony and national order. The UNESCO Constitution (1945) makes the same point that the defences of peace must be built in human minds.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 274 words
Righteous heart
Righteousness is Dharma internalised, close to Kant's good will, good in itself regardless of outcome.
Beauty of character
As Aristotle held, we become just by doing just acts, so a righteous heart becomes character through habit.
Harmony in the home
Kalam saw the father, mother and teacher as the first defence against corruption.
Order in the nation
Citizens of character follow law willingly, the spirit of Article 51A's Fundamental Duties.
Peace begins in minds
The UNESCO Constitution (1945) says the defences of peace must be built in the minds of men, a logic India's 2023 G20 theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future" carries outward.
Integrity at the root
Kalam paid from his own pocket when relatives stayed at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his presidency.
For a civil servant
Settled integrity resists Ethical Slippage, the slow normalisation of small lapses.
The chain can break
As Martin Luther King said, true peace is the presence of justice, so institutions must also be just.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019 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.