What are the foundational values of civil services? (Part 1)
While searching for cardinal values in human life and governance, one often wonders whether they are different from each other — or if human life is somehow separate from the life of a civil servant. But before diving into this deeper question on ethics, one must start with the basics, no matter what stage of life (or exam) one is at.
Let's begin with some fundamental questions on ethics. What are Human Values? Why should they be part and parcel of one's personality? In civil service, do we need a cluster of values? And in life, are values factors of sentient existence too?
Values are fundamental human feelings, beliefs, and notions that are considered conducive to individual as well as collective human happiness and harmonious living in society. Values characterise our relationship with other human beings and with the rest of nature. Values also enable us to define our purpose correctly.
And so, for collective happiness as well as survival, for relating truly with others, and for defining our goals and purpose correctly, we need to be measured through human values only. Any other measurement criteria, such as profile value, money value, or brand value, would disconnect and disregard the civil service, creating an apocryphal rather than authentic image of a civil servant. Ultimately, human values add that premiumness which always has a positive bearing on the self and society.
There are Universal Human Values, and one must begin from there only. The pursuance of these universal values forms the prime basis of ethical human conduct. Examples of such universal human values are promise, trust, love, non-violence, compassion, empathy, service, truth, etc. Some values indeed appear to change with time, place, and communities. However, these are only derivatives of these fundamental human values, expressed in the specific context of time and place. Therefore, sometimes these values appear to be changeful. Nevertheless, the fundamental human values never change. Whenever any doubt arises about the authenticity or appropriateness of any value, one has to take reference from the foundational universal human values only.
So how should one begin? Simply by feeling the weight of words or gratefulness, which can be valued through promise. Following promise over time begets trust, where nothing needs to be revalidated—neither the action nor the person. Promise and trust are the founding bricks of values. And that trust paves the way for a caring personality. Because care examines and brightens the horizon of responsibility, an individual starts realising that there are so many known as well as unknown persons who are directly or indirectly dependent on one's existence and deeds. So, if a district collector has visited two hundred villages in his district and still three hundred more villages remain, then even the last person of the last village would be thinking with hope about the distribution of benefits. And realising those unknowns' existence and dependability on oneself brings about impartiality in decision-making.
The pandemic period is the greatest testimony to the values of promise, trust, care, and objectivity in decision-making. Objectivity is where duties overpower rights and prejudices regarding caste, class, religion, and behavioral biases. Objectivity minimises all kinds of prejudices, and the individual does not spend his or her time with those biases but tries to belong to those responsibilities. That belongingness carves that steadfast relationship which is everything in governance.
However, the values of empathy, compassion, the spirit of service, commitment, and courage are also Universal Values, and they further influence values like objectivity, non-partisanship, tolerance, and perseverance. Connecting all the dots of universal human values brings forth that colossal image of values — i.e., Integrity — a kind of wholesome value.
We must remember that governance is nothing but decision-making, and ethics in governance is ethical decision-making. So, the presence of these cardinal values helps us in making ethical decisions. The private, professional, and public image of a person or a civil servant generally depends on that ethical alignment, which is based on the question: 'What kind of a person is he or she?' And the values-driven answer to that question roots the person in their private image. Those cardinal values are needed in the professional and public image as well, but values like promise, trust, and care, more or less, hold significance for the person individually. That is the alignment of the panoramic and the particular.
How are universal human values foundational to civil services as well? Discuss two such values with examples from the life of a civil servant.
(The writer is the author of 'Being Good and Aaiye, Insaan Banaen', 'Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness' and 'Kyon'. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified fortnightly.)
Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.
Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise static quiz : History and Culture MCQs on ‘Frontier Gandhi', speeches by freedom fighters and more (Week 117)
Are you preparing for UPSC CSE Prelims? UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of daily subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on History and Culture to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the freedom fighter Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, consider the following statements: 1. He started the newspaper Sudharak (The Reformer), which challenged both untouchability and casteism. 2. He along with Gopal Krishna Gokhale established the Deccan Educational Society in Pune. 3. He died while protesting against the Partition of Bengal. Which of the following statements is/are true? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Gopal Ganesh Agarkar started the newspaper Sudharak (The Reformer), which challenged both untouchability and casteism. He along with Tilak established the Deccan Educational Society in Pune. In 1895, he passed away. Partition of Bengal was announced in 1905 by Lord Curzon. Therefore, b is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Pune's Fergusson College gets university status) Consider the following statements: 1. In March 1942, a mission led by Sir Stafford Cripps arrived in India to meet with leaders of the Congress and the Muslim League, and despite the promise of 'the earliest possible realisation of self-government in India,' Cripps offered only dominion status—not full independence. 2. Prime Minister Winston Churchill reached out to Indian leaders for help in the Second World War efforts following pressure from President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States, President Chiang Kai-shek of China, and leaders of the Labour Party in Britain. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 In December 1941, Japan had attacked Britain's colonies in Asia, and advanced rapidly through Burma, the Malay peninsula, the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia), Singapore, and parts of Papua New Guinea, causing heavy losses, and taking huge numbers of prisoners of war. With the Japanese virtually on India's doorstep in the Northeast, and with Hitler's armies still holding the upper hand in the European and African theatres of the War, President Franklin D Roosevelt of the United States, President Chiang Kai-Shek of China, and leaders of the Labour Party in Britain built pressure on Prime Minister Winston Churchill to reach out to Indian leaders for help in the war effort. So, in March 1942, a mission led by Sir Stafford Cripps arrived in India to meet with leaders of the Congress and the Muslim League. Despite the promise of 'the earliest possible realisation of self-government in India', the offer that Cripps placed on the table was of Dominion Status — an autonomous community within the British Empire — rather than full independence. This was not acceptable to Gandhi and Nehru; more importantly, the Congress was opposed to a provision that allowed for the Partition of India. Therefore, c is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Quit India — A short history of a 'Do or Die' national struggle, Explained, The Indian Express.) Who coined the slogans 'Quit India' and 'Simon go back'? (a) Louis Fischer (b) Hasrat Mohani (c) Ramkinkar Baij (d) Yusuf Meherally The slogan 'Quit India' While Gandhi gave the clarion call of Quit India, the slogan was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist and trade unionist who also served as Mayor of Bombay. A few years ago, in 1928, it was Meherally who had coined the slogan 'Simon Go Back'. Therefore, d is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Explained: Recalling 'Quit India', when ordinary Indians took to the streets with a vow to 'Do or Die') Which freedom fighter wrote the book titled Diet and Diet Reform, The Moral Basis of Vegetarianism and Key to Health? (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Sarojini Naidu (c) Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (d) Dr. M.A. Ansari Gandhiji was known for his experiments with food. He also wrote books on food and health like Diet and Diet Reform, The Moral Basis of Vegetarianism and Key to Health. Apart from his followers, Gandhiji often advised others on what to eat. In 1936, Gandhiji made a diet chart for Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, one of his fiercest political opponents. In this chart, Gandhiji wrote: 'Leafy vegetables must be taken, better if taken as salads. Potatoes and starchy tubers should be taken sparingly. Garlic and onion in a raw state are strongly recommended in the West. I take raw garlic regularly for blood pressure. It is the best antitoxin for internal use. Dates are fine food for a healthy stomach, but raisins are more digestible. Tea and coffee I do not consider essential to health'. Therefore, a is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Gandhi at 150: A diet chart for Netaji and other interesting facts from the Mahatma's life) It is one of the ten Baha'i Houses of Worship in the world. The grand structure was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba and was completed in 1986. He derived the most important architectural feature from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Which monument is being referred to above? (a) Banaji Limji Agiary, Mumbai (b) Baha'i House of Worship, Bihar Sharif (c) The Lotus Temple, Delhi (d) None of the above The Baha'i have had a presence in India since the late 19th century. This unique community has found a new home in India among the spirit of peace and the tolerant ethos of the nation. The growing popularity of this peaceful religion can be observed from the fact that the 2011 Census of India recorded only 4,572 Baha'is, but it has been suggested that the number had surpassed 2 million by 2015. Today, the Lotus Temple in Delhi serves as the mother temple for all its activities in India and other centres in South Asia, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. India is also home to the Baha'i educational institutions located in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh through which they organise, promote and maintain their community. Recently, the ruling body declared a second site for a temple in India in Bihar Sharif, which will further promote their ideas of inclusion, peace and harmony. Trivia: · The grand structure was designed by an Iranian architect, Fariborz Sahba, and was completed in 1986. He derived the lotus motif from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. · The Lotus Temple has nine sides, constructed using 27 independent petals made from marble in clusters of three. Counting the number of petals might be an interesting exercise. · The Lotus Temple in New Delhi can accommodate about 2,500 people. · The surface of the temple was built using Pentelikon marble from Greece, which was used in ancient monuments of Parthenon. · The Lotus Temple has won numerous awards for its architecture, including the GlobArt Academy 2000. · It is one of the 10 Baha'i Houses of Worship in the world. The others are located in Wilmette, Kampala, Sydney, Langenhain, Panama City, Tiapapata, Santiago, Battambang and Agua Azul. Therefore, c is the correct answer. (For more, refer:Know Your Monument: Lotus Temple and the number nine, The Indian Express) Consider the following statements with reference to Khan Abdul Gaffar: 1. His life was dedicated to the social reform of the Pukhtuns and he continues to be revered across the world by them. 2. He is known for his close association with Mahatma Gandhi and his leadership of the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement from 1930-47 – one of the most successful and sustained Gandhian non-violent campaigns anywhere in the world. 3. Ghubar-e-Khatir (The Dust of Memories) is a collection of letters written by him. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 His life was dedicated to the social reform of the Pukhtuns and he continues to be revered across the world by them. In India, he is known for his close association with Mahatma Gandhi and his leadership of the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement from 1930-47 – one of the most successful and sustained Gandhian non-violent campaigns anywhere in the world. Ghubar-e-Khatir (The Dust of Memories) is a collection of letters written by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Therefore, a is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Frontier Gandhi's autobiography released in English) Consider the following statements: 1. Subhash Chandra Bose speech, 'Give me blood and I promise you freedom' was delivered in Burma to the members of his Indian National Army in 1944 2. Gandhi's iconic speech, which began with 'The light has gone out of our lives,' was delivered after the Jallianwalabagh tragedy. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. India's iconic freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose or Netaji was known for his rousing, motivational speeches. His speech, 'Give me blood and I promise you freedom', delivered in Burma to the members of his Indian National Army in 1944, is among the most popular. 2. On January 30 in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead. Gandhi had left his room at New Delhi's Birla House for a prayer meeting, a little after 5 pm, running late. As he made his way through the crowd, a young man walked up and greeted him. Even as Gandhi replied, the man fired three bullets straight into the frail body. The old man fell, 'Hey Ram' on his lips. The next few hours saw an outpouring of grief and confusion across the nation. At Birla House, crowds swelled, pressing at the gates. Jawaharlal Nehru, who had arrived only after his guru and mentor had breathed his last, came out to speak to the crowds. That speech has not been recorded. We know only that Nehru broke down thrice while he spoke. But soon after, the Prime Minister addressed the nation on All India Radio, speaking beautifully, movingly, about the man Indians had lost, and his teaching they needed to remember. This iconic speech began with 'The light has gone out of our lives'. Therefore, a is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's famous speech 'Give me blood, I promise you freedom' ; This Quote Means: On Gandhi's death anniversary, remembering Nehru's iconic speech, 'the light has gone out of our lives') The 'Dancing Girl' figurine of the Indus Valley Civilization was first discovered by which of the following archaeologists: (a) Rafique Mughal (b) R.D. Banerji (c) Ernest McKay (d) Sir Mortimer Wheeler Discovering the Dancing Girl The Indus Civilisation (3300-1300 BC with its mature stage dated to 2600-1900 BC), also known as the Harappa-Mohenjodaro Civilisation, had been long forgotten till its discovery was announced in 1924. While sites and artefacts from the civilisation were in discussion since the early 19th century, it was not until the 1920s that they were correctly dated and recognised as part of a full-fledged ancient civilisation, much like the ones in Mesopotamia and Egypt. After the initial recognition as an ancient civilisation, a spate of excavations were conducted in the two major sites that were known till then – Harappa and Mohenjodaro. The Dancing Girl was discovered in one such excavation in 1926, by British archaeologist Ernest McKay in a ruined house in the 'ninth lane' of the 'HR area' of Mohenjodaro's citadel. Therefore, c is the correct answer. (For more, refer:What Mohenjodaro's Dancing Girl figurine tells us about the prehistoric civilisation) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on Sagaing township, India and Namibia relations and more (Week 118)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to India and Namibia relations, consider the following statements: 1. India and Namibia share a colonial past and a post-colonial partnership. 2. India offered material assistance and military training to fighters in Namibia's liberation struggle against the forces of apartheid South Africa. 3. India's investments in Namibia are mostly in mineral resources such as zinc and diamond processing. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — On July 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Namibia for the final part of his five-country Global South outreach trip. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the resource-rich southern African country in nearly three decades. Modi's visit is planned to strengthen bilateral collaboration in technology, health, infrastructure, development, and security. — India and Namibia have a colonial background and a postcolonial friendship. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — India championed the issue of Namibian independence in the United Nations General Assembly as early as 1946, and in 1986, the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), which led Namibia's liberation war, built its first embassy in New Delhi. — Aside from full diplomatic status and unwavering support through the Non-aligned Movement (NAM), India provided material help and military training to fighters in Namibia's liberation struggle against apartheid South Africa. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Namibia attained independence in March 1990, and the Indian Observer Mission was raised to a High Commission. Namibia established its full-fledged permanent mission in New Delhi in March 1994. — Namibia is the world's third-largest producer of uranium and is among the top producers of lithium, zinc, and rare earth metals. As a result, there is enormous opportunity for mutually beneficial energy security and essential mineral partnerships. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the country's investments in Namibia total around $800 million, with the majority of that going towards mineral resources like zinc and diamond processing. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. How many of the Indian States border Myanmar? 1. Nagaland 2. Mizoram 3. Tripura 4. Arunachal Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Following a renewed outbreak of fighting in Myanmar's Chin State, approximately 4,000 additional refugees have arrived in Mizoram in recent days. — Since July 2, two anti-military junta forces in Myanmar's Chin State – the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) Hualnogram – have been engaged in combat. As a result, many inhabitants have moved to Mizoram's Champhai region. — Myanmar shares borders with four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Recently, there was an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Sagaing township. It is located in: (a) Myanmar (b) Philippines (c) Taiwan (d) Cambodia Explanation — According to resistance groups and media accounts, an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in central Myanmar killed at least 23 people who had sought refuge there. — The strike occurred in Lin Ta Lu village, Sagaing township, roughly 35 kilometres northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The island of Ischia was recently in the news. It is part of: (a) Austria (b) Italy (c) Greece (d) Slovenia Explanation — The ruins of a long-forgotten Roman city off the shore of the Italian island of Ischia are being discovered anew. The city of Aenaria, once thought to be lost to legend, is now being rediscovered through archaeological excavations and guided underwater tours. — The remains are located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, barely below the surface. Visitors can now visit the site in glass-bottomed boats or snorkelling trips, which reveal historic quays, Roman relics, and stone structures preserved on the sea floor. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries has dismantled 300 dams and shut down most small hydropower stations to help restore fish habitats and river health? (a) India (b) Russia (c) China (d) Japan Explanation — China has destroyed 300 dams and shut down the majority of tiny hydropower units on a key Yangtze River tributary in order to restore fish habitats and water quality. — The change impacts the Chishui He, also known as the Red River, a 400-kilometer waterway that runs through Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces. According to a Xinhua report quoted by SCMP, by the end of December 2024, 300 of 357 dams will have been demolished, and 342 of 373 minor hydropower plants would have ceased operations. — Ecologists regard the Red River as one of the last remaining safe havens for endangered native fish in the upper Yangtze. Dams and power plants have historically hampered fish movement and limited water flow, causing breeding habitats to suffer. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 117) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
What are the foundational values of civil services? (Part 1)
No matter how difficult an issue is to be viewed through the lens of ethics, knowing the basics is most important. In reference to Ethics, Aptitude, and Integrity (GS Paper 4), understanding values is crucial not only for your exams but also for life in general. When it comes to aspiring for civil services, the foundational values of civil services should not be overlooked by an aspirant. And so, in today's Ethics Simplified of the UPSC Essentials, we return to the basics. While searching for cardinal values in human life and governance, one often wonders whether they are different from each other — or if human life is somehow separate from the life of a civil servant. But before diving into this deeper question on ethics, one must start with the basics, no matter what stage of life (or exam) one is at. Let's begin with some fundamental questions on ethics. What are Human Values? Why should they be part and parcel of one's personality? In civil service, do we need a cluster of values? And in life, are values factors of sentient existence too? Values are fundamental human feelings, beliefs, and notions that are considered conducive to individual as well as collective human happiness and harmonious living in society. Values characterise our relationship with other human beings and with the rest of nature. Values also enable us to define our purpose correctly. And so, for collective happiness as well as survival, for relating truly with others, and for defining our goals and purpose correctly, we need to be measured through human values only. Any other measurement criteria, such as profile value, money value, or brand value, would disconnect and disregard the civil service, creating an apocryphal rather than authentic image of a civil servant. Ultimately, human values add that premiumness which always has a positive bearing on the self and society. There are Universal Human Values, and one must begin from there only. The pursuance of these universal values forms the prime basis of ethical human conduct. Examples of such universal human values are promise, trust, love, non-violence, compassion, empathy, service, truth, etc. Some values indeed appear to change with time, place, and communities. However, these are only derivatives of these fundamental human values, expressed in the specific context of time and place. Therefore, sometimes these values appear to be changeful. Nevertheless, the fundamental human values never change. Whenever any doubt arises about the authenticity or appropriateness of any value, one has to take reference from the foundational universal human values only. So how should one begin? Simply by feeling the weight of words or gratefulness, which can be valued through promise. Following promise over time begets trust, where nothing needs to be revalidated—neither the action nor the person. Promise and trust are the founding bricks of values. And that trust paves the way for a caring personality. Because care examines and brightens the horizon of responsibility, an individual starts realising that there are so many known as well as unknown persons who are directly or indirectly dependent on one's existence and deeds. So, if a district collector has visited two hundred villages in his district and still three hundred more villages remain, then even the last person of the last village would be thinking with hope about the distribution of benefits. And realising those unknowns' existence and dependability on oneself brings about impartiality in decision-making. The pandemic period is the greatest testimony to the values of promise, trust, care, and objectivity in decision-making. Objectivity is where duties overpower rights and prejudices regarding caste, class, religion, and behavioral biases. Objectivity minimises all kinds of prejudices, and the individual does not spend his or her time with those biases but tries to belong to those responsibilities. That belongingness carves that steadfast relationship which is everything in governance. However, the values of empathy, compassion, the spirit of service, commitment, and courage are also Universal Values, and they further influence values like objectivity, non-partisanship, tolerance, and perseverance. Connecting all the dots of universal human values brings forth that colossal image of values — i.e., Integrity — a kind of wholesome value. We must remember that governance is nothing but decision-making, and ethics in governance is ethical decision-making. So, the presence of these cardinal values helps us in making ethical decisions. The private, professional, and public image of a person or a civil servant generally depends on that ethical alignment, which is based on the question: 'What kind of a person is he or she?' And the values-driven answer to that question roots the person in their private image. Those cardinal values are needed in the professional and public image as well, but values like promise, trust, and care, more or less, hold significance for the person individually. That is the alignment of the panoramic and the particular. How are universal human values foundational to civil services as well? Discuss two such values with examples from the life of a civil servant. (The writer is the author of 'Being Good and Aaiye, Insaan Banaen', 'Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness' and 'Kyon'. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified fortnightly.) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
