GS4 · UPSC Mains
Manoj is a young boy studying in class tenth of Nav Bharti school. Even though Manoj is pursuing science stream, as desired by his parents, he has always been more inclined towards arts. His skills in various performing arts viz. music, dance etc., has always received high praises from his friends, teachers and relatives alike. It was his desire to make a name for himself in this field. However, when Manoj informed his parents about his dream, their reaction though disappointing, did not come as a surprise. His parents who have always desired to see him as an engineer, were vehemently against his wish to pursue performing arts as a career option. His father explained him that by being an engineer he can lead a financially rewarding life, which they themselves could never afford. Further, his father also belittled his dream by saying that music and dance did not constitute an honourable profession. Manoj's father also pointed out to Manoj that Praveen, Manoj's cousin, had settled with a high paying job after completing his engineering degree form a renowned university. Though Manoj never enjoyed studying mathematics and science, he did not want to go against his parent's wishes. Therefore, after completing his board exams, Manoj was sent to Pota. Over the years the reputation of Pota as the coaching hub for entrance examinations had grown far and wide. The determination of Manoj's parents to make their son an engineer was undeterred despite the high fees of the coaching centres in Pota. Therefore, in order to pay the high fees of the coaching institute, Manoj's parents mortgaged their only asset, the ancestral family land. Manoj tried to convince his father against it, but to no avail. In order to fulfil his parent's aspiration, Manoj started working hard and giving his best. However, despite his consistent and honest hard work, his performance in mock tests remained sub-par and could neither meet the expectations of the teachers in Pota nor that of his parents at home. In addition, due to the alienation from the environment of school, friends, and family Manoj started remaining depressed. Further, in Pota he did not get anytime for pursuing his hobbies in performing arts. He started keeping to himself and even avoided talking to his parents on phone. Even after two years of gruelling coaching regime, Manoj's condition remained unchanged. The situation came to such a pass that Manoj used to be in a constant fear of failure in the annual Engineering Entrance Examination (EEE). He was aware about the high financial stakes that the exam bore for his family. It was under this pressure that Manoj gave the EEE. Finally, the results were out, and Manoj was unable to make it to any prestigious engineering college. Even though the result was on the expected lines for Manoj, the realisation that he has failed in the examination crushed him mentally. What made the matters worse was the disappointment that Manoj noticed in his parent's voice over the phone. Manoj felt like a criminal in his mind who had squandered the scarce family resources. Unable to bear the pressure, Manoj took a fatal jump off the building of his hostel. He left behind a note apologising to his parents for being unable to fulfil their aspirations. a) What are the qualities lacked by Manoj's parents? b) What qualities in a person can prevent him/her from taking the extreme step of committing suicide? c) What are the various ethical issues with the education system as depicted in the case study?
GS4 · Case studies on the above issues
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shubham Behere | AIR 226 · 2025 | Forumias | p.35 |
| Shubhanshi Singh | — | Forumias | p.35 |