S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, reflected on his experience during the UPSC interview he attended on March 21, 1977, which coincided with the lifting of the Emergency in India. At that time, he was just 22 years old and shared two important lessons he learned from that day: the importance of communicating effectively under pressure and recognizing that influential individuals may be disconnected from reality.

During a recent address to new civil service entrants, Jaishankar described how the political climate surrounding the Emergency's end influenced his interview. He noted that as election results were being announced, there was a growing understanding of public sentiment against Emergency rule. This context helped him navigate his interview effectively.

He characterized the UPSC examination as an 'Agni Pariksha,' or trial by fire, emphasizing its unique nature in selecting candidates for civil service roles. Jaishankar recounted how he felt fortunate to have participated in campaigns against the Emergency and how this involvement shaped his responses during the interview.

Jaishankar also pointed out that many people in power were unaware of public sentiment at that time. He explained how students like himself had firsthand experiences from their interactions across various regions, contrasting with those who were more insulated in Delhi.

In his remarks to aspiring civil servants, Jaishankar stressed their responsibility to contribute towards making India a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted good governance as essential for national security and encouraged them to prepare for significant changes ahead involving technology and global responsibilities.

Original article

Here is an analysis of the article's value to the reader:

Actionable Information: The article does not provide specific steps or instructions for the reader to take. It primarily focuses on sharing S Jaishankar's personal reflections and experiences during his UPSC interview. While it mentions the importance of effective communication and being aware of public sentiment, it does not offer a clear plan or strategy for the reader to implement.

Educational Depth: In terms of educational value, the article provides some insights into the UPSC examination process and its significance. Jaishankar's description of the exam as a "trial by fire" adds a layer of context. However, it mainly shares his personal anecdotes and observations, rather than delving deeply into the why and how of these events. The educational depth is limited, as it does not explore broader systems or historical contexts extensively.

Personal Relevance: The topic of the article may hold relevance for individuals interested in civil service or those curious about the UPSC interview process. It offers a glimpse into the experiences of a prominent figure during a significant political period. However, for a general audience, the personal relevance is moderate. The article's focus on a specific event and its impact on Jaishankar's journey may not directly affect the daily lives or decisions of most readers.

Public Service Function: The article does not serve an immediate public service function. It does not provide official warnings, safety guidelines, or emergency resources. Instead, it shares a personal narrative, which, while informative, does not directly assist the public in practical ways.

Practicality of Advice: Jaishankar's advice about effective communication and recognizing the disconnect between power and public sentiment is valuable. However, the article does not offer practical tips or strategies to apply these insights in everyday situations. The advice is more reflective and philosophical than actionable.

Long-Term Impact: The article's long-term impact is limited. While it encourages aspiring civil servants to contribute to India's development, the specific actions or plans to achieve this goal are not outlined. The article's focus on a historical event and its impact on one individual's journey may not have a lasting impact on readers' lives or their ability to plan for the future.

Emotional/Psychological Impact: The article may inspire readers by highlighting Jaishankar's experiences and his emphasis on the importance of good governance. It could motivate individuals to engage in civic responsibilities and consider the impact of their actions. However, the emotional impact is subtle, and the article primarily serves as an informative narrative.

Clickbait or Ad-Driven Words: The article does not employ sensational or clickbait language. It presents a balanced and factual account of Jaishankar's reflections. The language is professional and does not aim to exploit emotional responses for attention.

In summary, the article provides an interesting personal account and offers some valuable insights. However, it lacks actionable information, in-depth education, and practical advice that directly benefit the reader's daily life or long-term planning. It serves more as an informative narrative than a guide with tangible steps or resources.

The described narrative reveals a concerning disconnect between those in positions of power and the very fabric of society: the family, the clan, and the local community. S Jaishankar's account highlights a critical failure of those with influence to recognize and respect the moral bonds that sustain and protect our people.

The first lesson, about effective communication under pressure, is a skill that can indeed strengthen familial and communal bonds. However, the second lesson, about the disconnection of the powerful from public sentiment, is a dangerous breach of trust and responsibility. It is the duty of those in authority to understand and serve the needs of their people, especially in times of political upheaval. By ignoring or being unaware of public sentiment, they neglect their responsibility to protect and guide their communities.

This neglect can have severe consequences. When those in power are disconnected from the reality of their people, they cannot effectively lead or make decisions that benefit the community. This leads to a breakdown of trust, as the people feel their voices and experiences are not being heard or represented. Over time, this can result in a divided community, with a growing sense of alienation and a lack of shared purpose.

The impact on families is particularly concerning. When trust in authority figures is broken, it can lead to a loss of respect for authority in general, including within the family unit. Children may struggle to understand and respect the decisions and rules set by their parents or elders if they perceive a lack of integrity or connection to their reality. This can weaken family structures and disrupt the transmission of values and duties from one generation to the next.

Furthermore, the idea that those in power may be insulated from the experiences of the common people can lead to policies and decisions that are out of touch with the needs of the community. This can result in the misallocation of resources, the neglect of vulnerable groups, and the failure to address critical issues that threaten the survival and well-being of the people.

The responsibility to prepare for a developed nation by 2047, as mentioned by Jaishankar, is a noble goal. However, it must not come at the expense of the moral bonds that hold society together. Development and progress must be inclusive and rooted in the values and duties that strengthen families and communities.

To restore trust and uphold responsibility, those in power must actively seek to understand the experiences and sentiments of their people. They must engage with the community, listen to their concerns, and involve them in decision-making processes. This ensures that policies and actions are aligned with the needs and values of the people, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

If the idea of a disconnected leadership spreads unchecked, it will further erode the trust and responsibility within communities. This will lead to a society fragmented by distrust, with a weakened sense of kinship and a diminished ability to care for one another and the land. The survival and continuity of the people will be threatened as the moral foundation of society crumbles.

It is imperative that those in positions of authority recognize their role as stewards of the community's well-being. They must act with integrity, humility, and a deep understanding of the people they serve. Only then can they truly lead and protect the moral bonds that keep our families, clans, and communities strong and resilient.

"He characterized the UPSC examination as an 'Agni Pariksha,' or trial by fire, emphasizing its unique nature in selecting candidates for civil service roles."

This sentence uses strong, dramatic language to describe the UPSC examination. The words "trial by fire" create a sense of intensity and difficulty, making the exam seem like a challenging and exclusive process. It emphasizes the uniqueness and importance of the selection, potentially creating a sense of awe or respect for the civil service.

The text conveys a range of emotions, primarily reflecting on a significant historical event and its impact on an individual's life and career.

S Jaishankar's account of his UPSC interview during the lifting of the Emergency in India evokes a sense of pride and gratitude. He expresses pride in his involvement in campaigns against the Emergency, which he believes shaped his interview performance. This pride is evident in his description of the UPSC examination as a 'trial by fire', suggesting a challenging yet rewarding experience. The emotion serves to highlight the importance of the event and its impact on his life, creating a sense of admiration for his own journey.

There is also a subtle undercurrent of fear and uncertainty. Jaishankar notes that many powerful individuals were disconnected from public sentiment, suggesting a lack of awareness or understanding of the people's desires. This fear is implied rather than explicitly stated, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty about the political climate at the time. It adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing the potential challenges and risks faced by those in power.

The text aims to inspire and motivate aspiring civil servants. Jaishankar's emphasis on the responsibility of civil servants to contribute to India's development by 2047 is a call to action. He uses emotional language, such as 'making a difference' and 'good governance', to inspire a sense of duty and purpose. By sharing his own experience and the context of the Emergency, he creates a narrative that encourages readers to see the impact of their potential actions and the importance of their role in society.

To persuade readers, the writer employs several rhetorical devices. One notable technique is the use of personal storytelling. By sharing his own experience, Jaishankar creates a relatable and engaging narrative, allowing readers to connect with his emotions and experiences. This personal touch adds credibility to his message and makes it more compelling. Additionally, the use of contrasting scenarios, such as the difference between the experiences of students and those insulated in Delhi, creates a powerful visual that emphasizes the importance of being in touch with public sentiment.

The text also employs a sense of urgency and importance. The mention of 'significant changes ahead' and the emphasis on technology and global responsibilities create a sense of anticipation and the need for preparation. This emotional appeal motivates readers to take action and be proactive in their roles as civil servants. By using emotional language and personal narratives, the writer effectively guides the reader's reaction, creating a sense of inspiration, motivation, and a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.