2024 · GS Paper 4 · Q3(b) · 10 marks
What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel
In short
Patel's quotation holds that faith gives a great work its direction and strength gives it motion, so neither succeeds alone. His integration of over 560 princely states joined faith in a united India with firm resolve in Junagadh and Hyderabad.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 281 words
Faith without strength
Conviction lacking courage and organisation stays a wish, while strength without faith becomes dangerous, as Ravana's might without righteousness shows.
Faith and strength together
Faith sustains strength through setbacks and strength turns faith into results, as Patel's resolve in Junagadh and Hyderabad served his faith in a united India; Vivekananda likewise asked for "muscles of iron and nerves of steel".
Nation-building
Faith in science and the strength of a delivery system let India give over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses through CoWIN.
Civil service
Faith in constitutional values needs capacity to matter, which is why Mission Karmayogi (2020) builds competence alongside commitment to public service.
Individuals
Self-efficacy, belief in one's ability, must be backed by skill, health and discipline, or ambition collapses at the first failure.
National unity
Faith in unity in diversity needs strong, impartial institutions, which is why Patel defended the All India Services in 1949 as essential to a united India.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024 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.