PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2016] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.
Linkage: Child labour is a significant issue affecting children, robbing them of their basic rights and hindering their full development potential. It is addressed through various welfare schemes, laws, and policies aimed at protecting and improving the lives of children. |
Mentor’s Comment: June 12 is observed as the World Day Against Child Labour, led by the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about the ongoing problem of child labour. This year, attention is not only on the alarming number—160 million children still working, but also on an inspiring success story from India: Velpur Mandal in Telangana. Once known for widespread child labour, Velpur has remained child labour-free for over 20 years. Its achievement, driven by strong community participation, shows how local efforts can bring lasting change and serve as a model for tackling child labour through policy and grassroots action.
Today’s editorial focuses on the problem of child labour in India, a key issue relevant to GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC syllabus.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Every year on June 12, the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) is observed, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to raise awareness about the problem of child labour.
What are the major global challenges in eliminating child labour?
- Poverty and Economic Vulnerability: Families in low-income regions rely on children’s income to meet basic needs, making child labour a survival strategy Eg: In sub-Saharan Africa, children are often sent to work in farms or in markets to support their households facing extreme poverty
- Lack of Access to Quality Education: Poor schooling infrastructure, long travel distances, and hidden costs deter school attendance, pushing children into work Eg: In rural Afghanistan, many children work as street vendors or in workshops instead of attending school due to poor accessibility
- Weak Law Enforcement and Informal Economy: Despite legal frameworks, enforcement is weak in informal sectors where most child labour occurs. Eg: In Latin American countries, children continue working in agriculture and street vending despite legal prohibitions.
- Cultural and Social Acceptance: In some societies, child labour is normalized as part of tradition or family livelihood, especially in unregulated home-based industries Eg: In India, children are commonly employed in beedi-rolling or carpet weaving under the guise of family trade training
- Conflict, Displacement, and Emergencies: Armed conflict, refugee crises, and natural disasters disrupt schooling and increase reliance on child labour for survival. Eg: In Syria, displaced children are often seen working in agriculture or shops due to the breakdown of education and protection systems.
What are the major national-level challenges in eliminating child labour?
- Poverty and Household Debt: Economic hardship compels families to send children to work instead of school, especially in informal and unorganised sectors. Eg: In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, children are employed in brick kilns and agriculture to supplement family income or repay local debts.
- Gaps in Implementation of Laws and Schemes: Despite strong legal provisions, poor monitoring, corruption, and lack of coordination among departments weaken enforcement. Eg: In Jharkhand, children continue to work in mica mines, despite bans and presence of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
- Lack of Awareness and Social Acceptance: In many rural and tribal areas, parents are unaware of the long-term value of education and accept child labour as normal. Eg: In Andhra Pradesh’s beedi-making units, child labour is seen as a family tradition and not a violation of child rights.
Case study of Velpur mandal:
Who led the anti-child labour campaign in Velpur?
The campaign was led by the then District Collector of Nizamabad along with committed local officials.
How did it achieve child labour-free status?
- Community-Led Campaign and Awareness Drive: A 100-day campaign was launched in 2001 involving local officials, sarpanchs, teachers, caste elders, and civil societyto identify and enroll every child into school. Eg: In Velpur Mandal (Telangana), all 8,057 children aged 5–15 were enrolled in schools, and the mandal was declared child labour-free by October 2, 2001.
- Debt Waiver and Social Accountability by Employers: Former child employers publicly waived ₹35 lakh worth of family debts and provided school supplies, freeing children from bonded labour. Eg: Employers in Velpur villages forgave loans where children were used as repayment guarantees, helping families send their children to school.
- Institutional Support and Bridge Schooling through NCLP: Children withdrawn from labour were sent to bridge schools under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) to ease their transition into formal education. Eg: Children from beedi units and farms were given remedial education and then enrolled into regular schools with full retention ensured by community monitoring.
|
What is the status of the National Child Policy?
- Outdated Framework (Policy of 2013): The National Policy for Children, 2013 is the current guiding document, but it lacks clear mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and budgetary commitments. Eg: Though it recognizes rights to survival, development, protection, and participation, it does not specifically address child labour rehabilitation pathways
- Lack of Integration with Recent Laws and SDG Goals: The policy has not been aligned with new laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 or with SDG Target 8.7. Eg: India aims to eliminate child labour by 2025 under SDG 8.7, but the national child policy does not provide an updated roadmap or action plan for this
- Delayed Formulation of a Revised Policy: The government had initiated a process to draft a new National Child Policy in 2020, but no final version has been released or implemented so far. Eg: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) conducted consultations for an updated policy, but no final policy document has been notified as of mid-2025
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Strengthening Legal Framework: The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 prohibits employment of children below 14 years and restricts adolescents (14–18 years) from hazardous occupations. Eg: This amendment led to the identification and rescue of thousands of children from beedi-making and fireworks units in states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
- National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Launched in 1988, this centrally sponsored scheme focuses on identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating child labourersthrough special training centres. Eg: Under NCLP, bridge schools in Velpur (Telangana) helped transition former child workers into regular schools, contributing to its child labour-free status.
- Integration with Education and Welfare Schemes: Programs like Right to Education Act (2009), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Samagra Shiksha aim to improve school access and retention among vulnerable children.Eg: In Bihar and Odisha, these schemes have improved school attendance, reducing dropout-driven child labour in agriculture and domestic work.
Way forward:
- Community-Driven Monitoring and Social Mobilisation: Empower panchayats, school management committees, and civil society to track school dropouts and ensure local accountability through awareness campaigns and social pressure mechanisms.
- Policy Update and Stronger Rehabilitation Framework: Finalize and implement a revised National Child Policy aligned with SDG 8.7, and strengthen rehabilitation measureslike skill development, financial support, and psychosocial care for rescued children.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Kananaskis (Canada), Alberta, for the G-7 outreach summit is an important chance for India and Canada to improve their diplomatic relations.
What led to the deterioration of India-Canada relations since 2023?
- Assassination Allegations: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged that Indian government agents were involved in the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, without providing conclusive evidence.
- Diplomatic Fallout: In response to the allegations, both countries reduced their diplomatic staff to one-third, significantly weakening diplomatic engagement and services.
- Suspension of Key Agreements: Canada suspended negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, while India temporarily stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens, citing security threats to Indian diplomats.
- Naming of Senior Indian Official: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reportedly named Home Minister Amit Shah in the conspiracy, further escalating tensions and hardening positions on both sides.
- Historical and Diaspora-linked Frictions: The long-standing Khalistan issue and alleged Khalistani extremism in Canada aggravated India’s concerns, especially given the large Indian diaspora and the perceived lack of action by Canadian authorities.
Why is PM Modi’s visit to the G-7 summit in Canada significant for bilateral ties?
- Signals a Diplomatic Reset: Inviting Modi marks a deliberate attempt by Canada to reopen diplomatic channels after relations plummeted following the 2023 Nijjar incident. Eg: Prime Minister Carney’s invitation—despite ongoing tensions—was described as coming at the last-minute, yet with careful back-channel diplomacy to avoid embarrassment.
- Re-emphasizes India’s Global Economic Role: Carney stressed that India is the world’s 5th-largest economy and central to global supply chains. Including India in G-7 discussions underscores its economic and geopolitical relevance. Eg: Carney asserted that India’s presence was essential to dialogues on energy security, critical minerals, AI, and infrastructure.
- Creates a Platform for Sensitive Law Enforcement Dialogue: The G-7 summit provides a high-level platform to initiate the planned law enforcement dialogue, a key mechanism to address the Nijjar case and broader security-related concerns.
Who are the key stakeholders involved in the India-Canada diplomatic reset?
- Prime Minister of India: Represents India at the G-7 and the potential diplomatic outreach.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney: Initiator of the summit invite; key to Canada’s effort to normalize ties.
- Law enforcement agencies: Both sides agreed to a “law enforcement dialogue” to address allegations and threats.
- Diaspora communities: The 1.86 million-strong Indian community in Canada serves as a bridge between the two nations.
- Trade and diplomatic negotiators: Officials working behind the scenes to restore dialogue on trade and diplomacy.
|
How can justice be pursued while maintaining diplomatic respect?
- Facilitate Law Enforcement Dialogue Through Official Channels: Both countries should engage in structured and confidential legal cooperation to address allegations without public confrontation. Eg: Canada and India have agreed to a “law enforcement dialogue” where sensitive issues like the Nijjar caseand threats to Indian diplomats can be discussed respectfully.
- Avoid Public Accusations Before Due Process: Governments must refrain from making unverified public allegations that escalate tensions and damage bilateral trust. Eg: Canada’s public statement in 2023 about Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death, without conclusive evidence, led to a sharp diplomatic fallout.
- Restore Diplomatic Presence to Normal Levels: Reinstating high commissioners and full diplomatic staff enables better communication and prevents misunderstandings during sensitive investigations. Eg: Both countries had reduced their mission strength by two-thirds; restoring these positions is key to pursuing justice without compromising diplomacy.
How can both countries rebuild trust and restart cooperation? (Way forward)
- Resume Diplomatic Engagement and Dialogue Mechanisms: Reinstating high commissioners and activating official dialogues like law enforcement and trade talks will help normalize relations. Eg: The proposed law enforcement dialogue and discussions on restoring trade negotiations signal mutual willingness to rebuild ties.
- Prioritize People-to-People and Economic Links: Focusing on shared interests such as the Indian diaspora, education, and investment cooperation can help overcome political setbacks. Eg: With 1.86 million people of Indian origin in Canada and strong business partnerships, both nations can leverage these ties for renewed cooperation.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Linkage: A Diplomatic Reset at the G-7″ explicitly states that India and Canada are “inextricably bound by their people” and that “over 1.86 million [people of Indian origin] are settled in Canada, but remain connected to India”. Canada is a significant Western country where the Indian diaspora has a strong presence. Therefore, discussing the economic and political benefits for India from its diaspora in the West would directly involve the Canada-India context, including how this diaspora can play a role in improving strained bilateral ties.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
India will update the base year for calculating GDP to 2022–23, and the new data is expected by February 2026. This change, confirmed by Saurabh Garg from the Ministry of Statistics, is an important step to improve the accuracy and trust in India’s economic data both in the country and around the world.
Why is the base year for GDP being revised to 2022-23?
- To Reflect Structural Changes in the Economy: India’s economy has shifted significantly from agriculture to services and digital sectors. Revising the base year captures these structural shifts more accurately. Eg: The rise of digital platforms, fintech, and gig economy post-2015 needs to be incorporated into GDP estimates.
- To Incorporate Improved and Updated Data Sources: New datasets such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and administrative records like MCA-21 provide more comprehensive and timely data for accurate GDP computation. Eg: PLFS helps capture employment trends better than the older Employment-Unemployment surveys.
- To Ensure Compatibility with International Standards and Better Inflation Adjustment
Regular base year revisions align with UN and IMF guidelines and help in more precise estimation of real GDPby adjusting for price changes. Eg: Without a revision, outdated price structures (like 2011-12) may overstate or understate real growthdue to inflation distortions.
What challenges delayed the previous GDP base year revision in 2017-18?
- Data Quality Concerns in Key Surveys: The government raised concerns about the credibility of the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted in 2017-18. Eg: CES showed a decline in consumer spending, suggesting rising poverty — a politically sensitive finding that was never officially released.
- Economic Disruptions during the Reference Year: Major policy shocks such as demonetisation (2016) and the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 led to economic volatility, making 2017-18 an unsuitable “normal” year for baseline calculations. Eg: GDP growth fell from 8.3% in 2016-17 to below 4% by 2019-20, reflecting prolonged economic slowdown post these disruptions.
- Delayed Acceptance and Use of Survey Results: While the PLFS findings were eventually accepted after the 2019 elections, the CES was rejected, causing a gap in key inputs required for GDP revision. Eg: Without reliable consumption and employment data, the GDP estimation would lack accuracy, forcing the government to drop 2017-18 as the base year.
Which other economic indicators are also undergoing base year revisions?
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP): Base year to be revised to 2022-23.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI): Base year to be revised to 2023-24.
- National Accounts (GDP): Base year to be revised to 2022-23, effective February 27, 2026.
|
How does base year revision affect the credibility of India’s economic data globally?
- Improves Accuracy and International Comparability: A timely base year revision ensures that GDP estimates reflect current economic structures, making India’s data more credible and aligned with international standards (like those of IMF and UN). Eg: Including digital economy or renewable energy sectors helps match the metrics used by other G20 nations.
- Builds Investor Confidence: Transparent and methodologically sound revisions enhance global investor trust, which is crucial for foreign direct investment (FDI) and sovereign credit ratings. Eg: A credible GDP estimate influences decisions by agencies like Moody’s or Fitch, and reassures multinational corporations evaluating India’s market.
- Reduces Skepticism from Global Analysts: Past controversies—like the 2015 revision which some experts claimed overstated growth—have raised doubts on India’s data integrity. A robust 2022-23 revision can restore credibility. Eg: Even former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian questioned past data quality; accurate revisions now can counteract such reputational damage.
Way forward:
- Institutionalise Regular Data Revisions: Establish a fixed 5-year cycle for revising base years of GDP and other macroeconomic indicators, in line with National Statistical Commission recommendations, to ensure timeliness, consistency, and credibility.
- Enhance Data Transparency and Accessibility: Improve the quality, frequency, and public availability of key datasets like Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES), PLFS, and Census, to build trust among researchers, investors, and global institutions.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] What are the main features of the estimation of India’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.
Linkage: The changes in GDP estimation around the 2015 revision, which is a prime example of the process of revising the base year and methodology. The “India’s GDP: Revising the Economic Base” source provides extensive details on this very topic, explaining the rationale and significance of such revisions, including the upcoming 2026 revision and its importance for India’s global standing.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is set to launch CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops)- a digital initiative that uses field photography and AI-based models to monitor crop health and automate loss assessment.
What is CROPIC?
- Overview: CROPIC is a digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Objective: The aim of CROPIC is to monitor crop health, assess crop losses, and assist with insurance payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
- Technology Integration: It leverages field photography, artificial intelligence, and a cloud-based analysis system to streamline crop monitoring.
- Process: CROPIC is designed to automate the crop loss assessment process and improve the transparency and speed of compensation to farmers.
- Pilot Timeline: The initiative will be piloted during Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025–26, and expanded nationwide in 2026.
- Implementation: The project is funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY, which has an allocation of ₹825 crore.
Key Features of CROPIC:
- Mobile App-Based Data Collection: Crops are photographed 4–5 times per season using the CROPIC mobile app, with images collected by farmers and field officials.
- Crowdsourced Inputs: Real-time photographs are crowdsourced directly from the field, ensuring up-to-date and location-specific crop data.
- AI-Based Photo Analysis: Images are uploaded to a cloud platform, where AI algorithms analyze them to detect:
- Crop type and stage
- Health status
- Visible damage or stress
- Web-Based Dashboard: Processed data is presented on a visual dashboard for use by government officials and policymakers.
- Insurance Integration: During claim processing under PMFBY, officials use the app to gather photographic evidence, automating crop loss verification.
- Crop Signature Database: CROPIC will help build a digital image library of crop types, aiding future research and development in agricultural analytics.
| [UPSC 2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?
1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A new study from researchers at IISER Bhopal has revealed how a single protein called BBX32 helps plants time the critical moment they emerge from darkness into light.
What is BBX32?
- Function: BBX32 is a plant protein that helps a seedling keep its protective hook closed as it pushes through the soil.
- Protection Mechanism: The hook shape shields the soft shoot tip in darkness; BBX32 extends this protection until it’s safe to open.
- Ethylene Activation: Underground, the plant hormone ethylene activates the BBX32 gene, signaling the seedling to stay protected.
How does it work?
- Light Stabilization: Once exposed to light, BBX32 is no longer broken down, allowing it to accumulate on one side of the hook.
- Protein Chain Reaction: BBX32 activates PIF3, which then activates HLS1, the protein that directly keeps the hook bent.
- Lab Testing: Plants were tested in different light types and sand to simulate real soil. Extra ethylene increased BBX32 activity.
- Mutant Comparison: Plants without BBX32 opened too early. Only 25% broke through sand, compared to 40% of normal and 80% with extra BBX32.
- Degradation Control: In darkness, COP1 breaks down BBX32. Ethylene slows this process. Light fully stabilizes BBX32.
- Coordinated Timing: The protein’s behavior is guided by light, hormone signals, and pressure, ensuring the hook opens at the right time.
Why is studying BBX32 important?
- Better Crop Survival: BBX32 can help develop crops that grow well in dense, wet, or compacted soils.
- Climate Adaptation: As climate change leads to tougher soil conditions, BBX32 can improve seedling emergence and survival.
- Boosting Yields: Supporting hook protection even slightly longer can lead to stronger early growth and higher productivity.
- Genetic Research: BBX32 is a potential target for gene editing in plants to improve resilience during germination.
- Broader Insight: Studying BBX32 helps us understand how plants balance internal signals with external cues for safe growth.
| [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?
1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
India is serving as a Vice President to the 2nd Session of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (and Lighthouse Activities) (IALA) Council held in Nice, France.
About IALA:
- Overview: It is the global authority headquartered near Paris, France, responsible for standardizing and harmonizing marine aids to navigation (AtoN), including lighthouses, buoys, and electronic navigation systems.
- Establishment: IALA was founded in 1957 as a non-governmental organization and officially became an intergovernmental organization (IGO) on August 22, 2024, following ratification by 34 countries.
- Mission: Its mission is to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime navigation by promoting uniform standards, modern technology, and global cooperation.
- Relevance: IALA plays a crucial role in reducing maritime accidents, protecting marine environments, and supporting developing nations through training and technical assistance.
Structure and Features:
- Membership: The organization consists of 80+ member countries, along with commercial maritime companies, training institutions, and scientific bodies.
- General Assembly: The supreme decision-making body, which meets every four years to define broad policies and strategic direction.
- Council: The executive body composed of 24 elected members, meeting twice annually to oversee day-to-day governance and technical progress.
- Technical Committees: Specialized groups focused on areas such as digital navigation technologies, marine engineering, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and sustainable navigation systems.
- Key Innovations:
- Maritime Buoyage System: Unified over 30 local buoyage systems into two global regions (Region A and Region B).
- Pioneered technologies like Differential GPS (DGPS), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), and e-navigation frameworks.
- Global Partnerships: IALA works closely with international bodies like the IMO (International Maritime Organization), IHO (International Hydrographic Organization), and ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
India and IALA:
- Founding Member: India is a founding member of IALA and has been a Council member since 1980, represented by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
- Infrastructure Contributions: India has implemented Integrated Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) across 12 major ports, enhancing navigational safety and efficiency.
- Upcoming Hosting: India will host the 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 and the IALA Conference in 2027, both scheduled to take place in Mumbai.
| [UPSC 2017] Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Sri Lanka is celebrating Poson Poya festival which commemorates the arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.
About Poson Poya Festival:
- Overview: Poson Poya is the second most important Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, following Vesak in religious significance.
- Date of Observance: It is celebrated on the full moon day of June, which corresponds to the seventh month of the Sinhalese calendar.
- Historical Commemoration: The festival marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 236 BCE, when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale.
- Key Locations: Celebrations are held across the island, with the most sacred observances taking place at Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
- Ritual Activities: Devotees engage in temple visits, meditation, offerings, and acts of charity (Dana) as part of spiritual practice.
- Cultural Expressions: Communities organize free food stalls (Dansalas), decorate homes and streets with lanterns, and display illuminated panels of Buddhist stories.
How did Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka?
- Following the Third Buddhist Council (held in 250 BC in Pataliputra) during Ashoka’s reign, it was decided to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka, to spread Buddhism.
- The mission to Sri Lanka was led by Mahinda (Mahendra), Ashoka’s son, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
- After several royal ladies expressed interest in joining the Buddhist monastic order, Mahinda sent for his sister, Sanghamitra, to initiate them.
- Both siblings lived in Anuradhapura for the rest of their lives.
- She played a pivotal role in establishing the Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sangha or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka, which later spread to other Theravada Buddhist countries like Burma, China, and Thailand.
|
| [UPSC 2024] Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:
Options: (a) Prajnaparamita Sutra (b) Visuddhimagga (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya * (d) Lalitavistra |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Prime Minister paid tributes to Sant Kabir Das on his birth anniversary.
About Sant Kabir:
- Birth: Sant Kabir was likely born between 1398 and 1440 in Kashi (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) and passed away in 1518. According to legend, he was born to a Brahmin widow and later adopted by a Muslim couple, Niru and Nima.
- Early Life: He was raised in the julaha (weaver) community, Kabir’s upbringing among the socially marginalized deeply shaped his teachings on equality and anti-casteism.
- Spiritual Awakening: Though raised in a Muslim household, Kabir became a disciple of Swami Ramananda, a Vaishnava Bhakti saint, and was also influenced by Sufi mysticism, particularly through Shaikh Taqqi.
- Death: Kabir died in Maghar (Uttar Pradesh) in 1518.
- Legacy Site: Legend says his body miraculously vanished, leaving only flowers, which were divided between Hindus and Muslims. Today, a temple and a dargah stand at his burial site.
His Teachings, Literary Style, and Cultural Impact:
- Poetic Style: Kabir wrote in a mix of Hindi, Khari Boli, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Urdu, Persian, and Marwari. His most famous compositions are Dohe (couplets) and Pads (devotional songs), noted for their simplicity, spiritual insight, and bold social critique.
- Advocacy: He was a strong proponent of Nirguna Bhakti, the worship of a formless, attributeless God. He referred to this divine presence as Ram, Allah, or Shabda, emphasizing that God transcends name and form.
- Spiritual Themes: Kabir’s work reflects non-dualism (Advaita) from the Upanishads and monotheism (Tawhid) from Islam. He believed that salvation lies in inner realization, not through scriptures, priests, or rituals.
- Opposition to Ritualism: He condemned idolatry, pilgrimage, fasting, and caste-based discrimination, urging people to seek God within themselves.
- Social Reform Focus: Kabir stood firmly for social equality, rejecting casteism and religious divisions. His verses challenged orthodoxy and critiqued hollow practices in every community.
- Influence on Sikhism and Bhakti Movement: His poems are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, highlighting his impact on Sikhism. He also inspired spiritual figures like Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal, and Jiwan Das.
- Cultural Legacy: The Kabir Panth, a spiritual tradition based on his teachings, has over 9.6 million adherents today. Kabir is respected in Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism alike.
| [2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now