QUESTION 3(a)
GS4
10 marks
“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”- Mahatma Gandhi
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Explain what Gandhi means: small acts of kindness that help people matter more than ritual devotion, and what this means for today and for administration.
Explain the quoteAnswer exactly what the question asks.
Demand-wise check
- 1Meaning: ethics is shown in action toward others, not in display of piety≈30 words
- 2Why powerful: kindness creates trust, chain effects, dignity for the receiver≈30 words
- 3Relevance to public service: courtesy at the counter, helping the last person, compassion in crises≈30 words
- 4Balance: faith is not rejected; it is judged by its fruits in conduct≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
MeaningReasonsExamples from life and administrationConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Turning it into an essay against religion
- No concrete example of a small act of kindness
Draw this
- Ripple diagram: one kind act → trust → cooperation → social capital
Value addition
- ThinkerGandhi's idea of 'Sarvodaya' (welfare of all) puts service to others at the centre of ethics.M.K. Gandhi
- ExampleLangar tradition in gurdwaras: service to anyone regardless of caste or faith.Sikh tradition
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Vidushi Singh · AIR 13 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 7 ↗Same syllabus reference
- G Sanjana · AIR 55 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.