Q. Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years.
In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People’s houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother.
(a) What are the options available with Vijay?
(b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay?
(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?
UPSC Mains 2025 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
This case presents a profound dharma-sankat where Vijay must choose between his Raj Dharma (duty to state) and Putra Dharma (duty as son) during a humanitarian crisis.
(a) Options Available:
• Option 1: Leave immediately for Kerala to perform mother’s last rites
• Option 2: Stay and continue leading rescue operations
• Option 3: Delegate temporarily and attempt a middle path
(b) Ethical Dilemmas:
Vijay faces multiple conflicts between competing values:
• Public duty vs Personal duty – serving 5000+ victims versus honoring mother
• Utilitarianism vs Deontology – greatest good versus absolute filial duty
• Professional responsibility vs Emotional needs – leadership demands versus grieving process
• Setting precedent – his decision impacts administrative culture
(c) Critical Evaluation:
Option 1 (Leaving): While fulfilling cultural obligations and providing emotional closure, this constitutes dereliction of duty during deteriorating conditions. Lives could be lost due to leadership vacuum (like Kedarnath tragedy).
Option 2 (Staying): Upholds ‘Service Before Self’ principle, ensures effective crisis management, and demonstrates supreme sacrifice. However, causes lifetime regret and psychological burden (like IAS Durga Nagpal’s dilemmas).
Option 3 (Middle Path): Though attempting balance, it’s impractical given worsening situation. Even 24-hour absence could prove catastrophic, and divided attention serves neither duty well.
(d) Most Appropriate Option:
Option 2 is most ethically sound. Vijay should stay while taking compassionate measures:
• Delegate last rites to relatives/community elders
• Maintain virtual connection with family
• Promise deferred visit post-crisis
• Perform personal prayer locally
This demonstrates Manav Dharma (duty to humanity) superseding personal obligations. His mother would find peace knowing her son saved thousands. As Gandhi exemplified, true service requires personal sacrifice.
Conclusion: Vijay’s highest dharma lies in protecting vulnerable citizens, embodying the civil service motto: “Service Before Self.”
