Integrity, a cornerstone of ethical behavior, manifests itself in the unwavering commitment to one’s principles, even in the face of tempting compromises. A striking real-life example of this resolute adherence to integrity is the case of Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor turned whistleblower. In 2013, Snowden exposed classified documents revealing widespread and invasive surveillance programs conducted by the NSA. Despite being aware of the personal and professional risks, Snowden chose to prioritize his commitment to transparency and civil liberties over personal safety and the potential compromise of his career. His courageous act, marked by a complete refusal to be compromised by institutional pressures, underscored the profound test of integrity that individuals may encounter in challenging circumstances. Snowden’s steadfast dedication to principles, even at the expense of personal well-being, exemplifies the strength and resilience required to uphold one’s integrity in the face of formidable challenges.
Tag: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to define integrity.
- In Body, discuss integrity as an uncompromising virtue with examples.
- In Conclusion, try to reassert the significance of the Integrity.
Answer:
Integrity means adopting similar standards or moral principles in similar situations across different times and different situations. In other words it means to be honest and consistent in thoughts, speech and action. A man of integrity is never influenced by temptations and pressures from outside and would only respond to his conscience.
Integrity as an uncompromising virtue:
- Integrity is the practice of synchronization of thought, words and actions. It can be correlated to honesty but unlike honesty it’s more a professional value. It’s related to institutions. It advocates sacrifice of personal gains in favour of organizational objectives.
- Integrity help individual to keep in mind the aim/ purpose of one’s action or inaction and acting consistently with that choice—even when it is inconvenient or unprofitable to do so; choosing the right course of conduct in conformity with moral principles; openly declaring one’s intentions or where one stands; and results of one’s actions.
- Integrity means adherence to principles. Integrity requires a person to follow his conscience in all matters all the time. If integrity gets compromised our conscience gets filled with guilt and disturbs our internal peace.
- Sometimes, we may have some vested or selfish interests.Taking the wrong path may seem easier and convenient. But no matter how difficult it is, Integrity requires us to never compromise.
Few Examples:
- Mahatma Gandhi revered truth and non-violence throughout his life. To maintain integrity he withdrew from the Non-Cooperation movement. The refusal to continue movement was good in his perception instead of compromising with integrity even if many were against his decision to draw back the movement. He maintained the truth and integrity with his principles even in testing times.
- One of the acts of integrity in real life was exhibited by Wing Commander Abhinandan in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrikes. Even when captured alive and surrounded by hostile forces, he refused to part with any information.
- Mr. Ashok Khemka (IAS officer ) who has been transferred 51st times in his 24 years of Civil Service career. He was awarded the S R Jindal Prize in 2011 for ‘crusade against corruption’ for his effort in exposing corruption in high places.
Integrity requires self-discipline and willpower capable of resisting temptation. Its priceless reward is peace of mind and true dignity. A person with strong integrity is less likely to be influenced by those of a lesser moral value. . If one compromises integrity in small situations with little consequence, then it becomes very easy to compromise on the other situations as well. Integrity means doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Leaders with integrity may not be the most famous or flashy of leaders. There should be no exceptions to honesty and integrity. Integrity is not situational.
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