बौद्ध साहिन्य की भूमिका विश्व शान्ति में

अहिंसा और करुणा: बौद्ध साहिन्य का मूल सिद्धांत अहिंसा और करुणा है। यह दृष्टिकोण विश्व शान्ति की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है। बुद्ध की शिक्षाएँ, जैसे “अहिंसा परमो धर्मः” (अहिंसा सबसे बड़ा धर्म है), शान्ति और सह-अस्तित्व को बढ़ावा देती हैं।

द्विपक्षीय संवाद: बौद्ध देशों और नेताओं ने द्विपक्षीय संवाद और सांस्कृतिक आदान-प्रदान के माध्यम से विश्व शान्ति को बढ़ावा दिया है। उदाहरण के रूप में, म्यांमार और थाईलैंड में बौद्ध धर्म के अनुयायी शान्ति और सहनशीलता का संदेश फैलाते हैं।

अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संगठनों में योगदान: दलाई लामा जैसे बौद्ध नेताओं ने नोबेल शांति पुरस्कार प्राप्त किया है और वैश्विक शान्ति के लिए कार्यरत रहे हैं, जैसे शांति सम्मेलन और मध्यस्थता में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाई है।

बौद्ध साहिन्य ने अहिंसा और करुणा के माध्यम से विश्व शान्ति की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान किया है।

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Integration of Princely States

Role and Leadership: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, played a pivotal role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union post-independence.

Strategic Negotiations: Patel employed a combination of diplomacy and pressure to persuade the princely states to join the Union. For example, he successfully negotiated with the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. His strategic use of the Instrument of Accession ensured that most states joined India willingly.

Operation Polo: In 1948, Patel led Operation Polo to integrate Hyderabad into India, overcoming resistance and bringing it into the Indian Union.

Legacy: Patel’s efforts were crucial in creating a unified India by seamlessly integrating over 500 princely states, ensuring national unity and stability.

Analysis of Ethical Conduct in Public Service

a. Risks of Upholding Ethical Principles

While it is true that adhering to ethical principles in a challenging environment can be difficult and may pose risks to one’s career, family, and personal safety, the long-term benefits of maintaining integrity outweigh these short-term challenges. Ethical conduct ensures credibility, fosters trust, and contributes to a healthier system. For example, IAS officer Amitabh Kant, known for his principled approach, has had a significant impact on India’s development despite facing considerable challenges.

b. Impact of a Minority’s Ethical Stand

Even if unethical practices are widespread, the presence of a minority adhering to ethical standards can instigate systemic change. History shows that transformative changes often begin with a few principled individuals. For instance, Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of the White Revolution, was a lone figure initially who brought monumental changes to India’s dairy industry through ethical practices.

c. Ethical Conduct vs. Economic Progress

Ethical conduct is not inherently at odds with economic progress. In fact, corruption and unethical practices often lead to inefficiencies and hinder sustainable development. Countries like Denmark and Sweden demonstrate that high ethical standards and transparency can coexist with robust economic growth and high competitive performance.

d. Small Gratifications and System Efficiency

Accepting small gratifications and favors can lead to a slippery slope of escalating corruption and undermine the integrity of the system. Such practices erode public trust and institutional effectiveness over time. For example, the 2016 Panama Papers leak highlighted how seemingly minor unethical practices could lead to massive global repercussions.

Advice to Your Friend

1. Commit to Integrity: Upholding ethical standards builds long-term credibility and trust, which are invaluable for effective public service. Short-term hardships should not overshadow the long-term benefits of maintaining ethical conduct.
2. Seek Systemic Change: Understand that while individual efforts might seem ineffective, they contribute to a larger movement towards systemic reform. Positive role models and integrity can inspire others and drive collective change.
3. Balance Ethics with Progress: Ethical conduct can drive sustainable development. Embrace practices that foster both integrity and efficiency, ensuring that ethical standards are not compromised for short-term gains.
4. Avoid Small Corruptions: Resist the temptation of small gratifications. Such practices can lead to larger systemic issues and ultimately harm public trust and institutional effectiveness.

Encourage your friend to stay committed to ethical principles, recognizing that while the journey may be challenging, it is crucial for personal integrity and the long-term health of the public service system.

Innovative Measures to Tackle Sexual Violence Against Women

Despite existing legal provisions, sexual violence against women continues to rise in India. To address this issue effectively, innovative measures need to be implemented:

1. Enhanced Surveillance and Technology Integration: Implementing advanced technology for real-time monitoring and reporting can help. For instance, “Nirbhaya Fund” has been used to develop the “Panic Button” feature in smartphones, allowing women to alert authorities immediately.
2. Comprehensive Education and Awareness Programs: Introducing mandatory gender sensitization and consent education in schools and colleges can help change societal attitudes. Delhi’s “She Safety” initiative offers workshops and educational programs to raise awareness and promote respect.
3. Strengthening Support Systems: Establishing 24/7 crisis intervention centers and helplines for survivors to receive immediate support. The 181 Women Helpline in several states provides emergency assistance and counseling.
4. Community Policing and Local Involvement: Engaging local communities in preventive measures and creating safe zones through neighborhood watch programs can enhance safety. Kolkata’s “Safe City” project includes community patrols and surveillance to protect women.
5. Legal Reforms and Faster Trials: Accelerating the judicial process for sexual violence cases and ensuring strict implementation of Nirbhaya Act (2013). The fast-track courts established post-Nirbhaya case are a step in this direction but need further strengthening.

By adopting these measures, society can work towards reducing incidents of sexual violence and ensuring a safer environment for women.

Accountability in Public Service

In the context of public service, ‘accountability’ means that public servants are responsible for their actions and decisions, ensuring they act transparently, ethically, and in the public’s interest. It involves being answerable to the public, lawmakers, and regulatory bodies for the use of resources and the outcomes of their actions.

Measures to Ensure Accountability

1. Transparent Reporting and Documentation: Public servants must maintain detailed records of their decisions and transactions. For instance, the RTI Act 2005 in India enhances transparency by allowing citizens to access information about public administration.
2. Regular Audits and Inspections: Independent audits and inspections help ensure compliance with laws and regulations. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India conducts audits to verify financial and operational practices in government departments.
3. Performance Evaluations: Regular performance reviews assess the effectiveness and integrity of public servants. The Aadhaar Performance Review (2023) examined the efficiency of the Aadhaar system and its management.
4. Ethics Training and Codes of Conduct: Training and adherence to codes of conduct ensure ethical behavior. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) provides guidelines and conducts training to prevent corruption.
5. Public Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing grievance redressal systems allows citizens to report issues and seek resolution. For example, the Public Grievance Redressal System on the MyGov platform facilitates public complaints and feedback.

By implementing these measures, accountability can be strengthened, promoting effective and responsible public service.