UPSC Ethics Examples & Quotes

Once upon a time in the ancient kingdom of Hastinapur, Dronacharya, the revered royal guru, faced a moral crossroads. Among his disciples, Arjuna stood out as his favorite, destined to become the greatest archer of his time. One day, during a hunting expedition, Drona and his pupils encountered a remarkable display of archery a dog silenced by arrows without harm. The archer, Eklavya, a Nishad prince, emerged from the forest. Despite being denied formal training, Eklavya had honed his skills independently, idolizing Drona through a clay idol. Impressed yet uneasy, Drona demanded his guru dakshina: Eklavya’s thumb. With unwavering respect for his “guru,” Eklavya sacrificed his thumb, effectively ending his archery aspirations. This incident sparked debates over duty and morality. From one perspective, Dronacharya’s actions upheld his duty to the crown, ensuring no rivals to the princes’ supremacy, particularly Arjuna’s. However, critics argue that Drona’s demand epitomized social discrimination, denying merit and perpetuating systemic inequality. The story reflects the complexity of dharma, where the lines between loyalty, fairness, and justice blur. It challenges us to question: Should duty to power outweigh the principles of equity and inclusivity? And how do leaders balance personal loyalties with the greater good?