Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a pivotal figure in India’s independence and integration, understood the delicate balance between ideological conviction and pragmatic execution. His quote, “Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work,” resonates deeply in today’s complex world. In a time marked by both fervent beliefs and systemic challenges, Patel’s words serve as a potent reminder that mere intention, however noble, is insufficient without the capacity to translate that intention into tangible results. This answer will explore the relevance of this quote in the context of contemporary Indian governance and societal progress.
Understanding the Quote
Sardar Patel’s quote emphasizes a crucial synergy. ‘Faith’ here represents a strong belief in a vision, a principle, or a goal – the ‘why’ of an endeavor. However, ‘faith’ without ‘strength’ – encompassing resources, competence, strategic planning, and resilience – remains merely aspirational. ‘Strength’ provides the ‘how’ – the practical means to realize the vision. The quote isn’t a dismissal of belief, but a pragmatic assertion that belief must be coupled with capability to be effective.
Contemporary Relevance: Governance & Policy
In the realm of governance, numerous policies falter due to this very imbalance. Consider the ambitious ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme (2015) aimed at improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls’ education. While the ‘faith’ – the commitment to gender equality – was evident, the ‘strength’ – adequate funding, effective implementation at the grassroots level, and addressing deeply ingrained societal biases – proved insufficient in many regions. The scheme faced criticism for not achieving its desired outcomes due to implementation gaps and a lack of holistic approach.
Contemporary Relevance: Leadership & Social Movements
Similarly, many social movements, driven by strong ethical convictions, struggle to achieve lasting impact without organizational strength and strategic leadership. The farmer protests of 2020-21, while fueled by genuine grievances and a strong ‘faith’ in their demands, demonstrated the importance of coordinated leadership, logistical support, and effective communication to sustain momentum and negotiate effectively with the government. The initial lack of a unified leadership structure hindered the protests, but eventually, a cohesive approach led to the repeal of the farm laws.
Contemporary Relevance: Economic Development
India’s economic aspirations also reflect this principle. The ‘Make in India’ initiative (2014), driven by the ‘faith’ in India’s manufacturing potential, requires substantial ‘strength’ in terms of infrastructure development, skill enhancement, ease of doing business, and attracting foreign investment. While the initiative has seen some success, achieving its full potential necessitates addressing these systemic challenges.
The Digital India Initiative: A Case of Balanced Approach
The ‘Digital India’ initiative, however, presents a more successful example. The ‘faith’ in the transformative power of technology was coupled with significant investments in digital infrastructure (BharatNet project), promotion of digital literacy (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), and policy reforms to facilitate digital transactions (UPI). This combination of belief and capability has yielded substantial progress in digital inclusion and economic empowerment.
Challenges in Maintaining the Balance
Maintaining this balance is a constant challenge. Populist policies, often driven by strong ideological ‘faith,’ can sometimes lack the rigorous planning and resource allocation required for effective implementation. Conversely, purely technocratic approaches, focused solely on ‘strength’ and efficiency, may disregard crucial social and ethical considerations. A holistic approach, integrating both faith and strength, is therefore essential for sustainable progress.
Conclusion
Sardar Patel’s quote remains profoundly relevant in contemporary India. It underscores the importance of pragmatic leadership, evidence-based policymaking, and a holistic approach to nation-building. While strong convictions are vital for setting ambitious goals, they must be complemented by the necessary resources, competence, and strategic planning to translate those convictions into tangible outcomes. A nation’s progress hinges not merely on what it believes, but on its ability to effectively achieve its beliefs.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.