Introduction This case presents a conflict between personal moral responsibility and professional goals, echoing the ethical dilemma faced by Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. The central ethical dilemma lies in choosing between a personal moral obligation to help injured relatives and the professional duty to attend a crucial interview, a contemporary example being individuals facing similar choices during natural disasters. Virtue ethics, emphasizing character and moral disposition, offers the best guidance in this situation.

Stakeholder Identification Aspiring IAS officer (You), Injured relatives (Mother and Child), Other accident victims (if any), Interview panel, Other candidates.

Answer to the Question

1. The immediate action would be to ensure the safety and well-being of the injured relatives. This aligns with the deontological principle of duty to aid those in need, prioritizing moral obligation over personal gain (short-term gain of attending the interview). This also reflects the virtue of compassion and courage of conviction.
2. Simultaneously, call for emergency medical services and police assistance. This fulfills a civic duty and demonstrates social responsibility, aligning with the common good approach. This action also displays professionalism and character.
3. If possible, delegate the responsibility of taking the relatives to the hospital to a bystander or another family member who might arrive, explaining the urgency of the interview. This showcases practical wisdom and balances conflicting duties.
4. If delegation is not feasible, accompany the relatives to the hospital, ensuring their immediate medical needs are met. This demonstrates a commitment to the right to life and aligns with the utilitarian principle of maximizing overall well-being. This decision prioritizes moral duty over the personal goal of attending the interview. This is a crisis of conscience but highlights strong moral character.
5. Contact the interview panel at the earliest opportunity, explaining the unforeseen circumstances and requesting a reschedule. This displays professionalism, transparency, and respect for the institution. This action acknowledges the hierarchy/chain of command while upholding personal morality.
6. Even if the interview rescheduling is not possible, the decision to prioritize the lives of relatives reflects a strong ethical foundation, a crucial quality for an aspiring IAS officer. This demonstrates integrity and a commitment to public welfare over private gain. It shows that the candidate possesses the virtue of justice and fairness.

Conclusion This case highlights the tension between duty and morality. Real-life examples of individuals prioritizing ethical actions during crises, like the Kedarnath floods, demonstrate the importance of moral courage. A positive initiative could be incorporating ethical dilemma training in IAS preparation to equip future officers with decision-making frameworks. An ethical way forward involves fostering a culture that values moral integrity alongside professional achievements, recognizing that true public service requires a strong ethical compass. The candidate's actions should not jeopardize their career, as prioritizing human life is a testament to their character, aligning with the values expected of an IAS officer.