Family and societal influences significantly mold our attitudes, often unconsciously perpetuating undesirable values conflicting with a modern, egalitarian society. This necessitates examining such values among educated Indians and exploring strategies for cultivating desirable socio-ethical values, particularly in public service.

Undesirable Values in Educated Indians

These values, often ingrained through upbringing, hinder societal progress and ethical conduct. Gandhi's philosophy of simple living and high thinking contrasts sharply with these values.

• Entitlement: A sense of deservingness without commensurate effort or merit.

  • Example: The rampant VIP culture, exemplified by individuals expecting preferential treatment due to their social standing, as seen in the case of using influence to bypass airport security protocols.

• Lack of Empathy: A disconnect from the struggles of others, fostering indifference towards social issues.

  • Example: Apathy towards migrant workers' plight during the COVID-19 lockdown, reflecting a lack of compassion for vulnerable populations.

• Materialism: Prioritizing material possessions over ethical considerations and social responsibility.

  • Example: The pursuit of luxury goods and conspicuous consumption, often fueled by social media trends and influencer culture, overshadowing ethical consumerism and sustainable practices.

Cultivating Socio-Ethical Values in Civil Servants

Aristotle's virtue ethics emphasizes cultivating virtuous character traits. This is crucial for civil servants to uphold public trust and serve ethically.

• Promoting Ethical Awareness: Critical reflection on personal values and biases is essential.

  • Example: Regular ethics training modules for civil servants, incorporating case studies and discussions on ethical dilemmas, like the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration's ethics module.

• Mentorship and Role Modeling: Learning from experienced and ethical leaders fosters integrity.

  • Example: Establishing mentorship programs within government departments, pairing junior officers with senior officials known for their ethical conduct, inspired by the IAS Cadre mentorship program.

• Reinforcing Constitutional Values: Upholding constitutional principles like equality and justice.

  • Example: Promoting awareness of Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 21 (right to life) among civil servants, as exemplified by the training programs conducted by the National Judicial Academy.

Cultivating desirable values is crucial for a just and equitable society. By fostering ethical awareness, promoting role models, and reinforcing constitutional values, we can build a more responsible and responsive public service aligned with the ideals of a modern democratic nation.