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

Introduction
Sardar Patel earned his title at Bardoli in 1928 and later united over 560 princely states. Both feats joined belief in a goal with the organised strength to achieve it, as this quotation demands.
What the Quotation Conveys
•

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".

Relevance in the Present Context
•

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.

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Individuals

Self-efficacy, belief in one's ability, must be backed by skill, health and discipline, or ambition collapses at the first failure.

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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.

Conclusion
Faith gives direction and strength gives motion; neither achieves a great work alone. A civil servant joining conviction in constitutional values with the competence and courage to act embodies Patel's legacy of building a nation, not merely imagining one.

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

Hand-drawn diagram: Faith and Strength. Faith and Strength. Diagram (matrix): Faith and Strength; Low Strength; High Strength; High Faith; Low Faith; Noble but futile; Great work done; Drift and apathy; Power without purpose
Diagram: Faith and Strength

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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.

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