Answer:

Introduction:

There is a common perception that politics and ethics do not go together, but this is a false dichotomy. Ethics should be an integral part of politics, as political decisions have a significant impact on people’s lives and can determine the direction of society as a whole.

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Body:

Here are a few illustrations to support this argument:

• A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Known as the “People’s President,” Kalam exemplified ethical leadership during his tenure as the President of India. He prioritized integrity, humility, and inclusivity, focusing on national development and inspiring youth through his vision and ethical conduct.
• Anna Hazare: Hazare, an anti-corruption activist, led the India Against Corruption movement, demanding a strong anti-corruption law. He emphasized the need for ethical governance, transparency, and accountability in the political system, inspiring a nationwide discourse on ethical conduct in politics.
• Aruna Roy: Roy, a social activist, played a crucial role in advocating for the Right to Information (RTI) Act in India. By promoting transparency and accountability in government functioning, she demonstrated the ethical dimensions of political activism.
• Manmohan Singh: As Prime Minister of India, M. Singh prioritized economic reforms, but also emphasized ethical governance and integrity. He maintained a reputation for personal honesty and integrity, setting an example of ethical leadership.
• Sainath: Sainath, a journalist and social activist, dedicated his work to highlighting rural poverty and social injustice in India. His reporting shed light on unethical practices in politics and bureaucracy, urging for systemic reforms and ethical governance.

Conclusion:

It is clear that ethics and politics are intimately connected. Political decisions have real-world consequences for people’s lives and for the planet as a whole. By prioritizing ethics in politics, we can help ensure that decisions are made with the common good in mind, rather than just for the benefit of a select few.