“With greater power comes greater responsibility.”

 

1. Interpretation & Key Theme

  • Central idea:
    • Individuals or institutions granted authority must wield it judiciously, as misuse can lead to harm; true leadership and power rest on accountability, ethical conduct, and service orientation.
  • Underlying message:
    • Power is not a privilege but a duty; those in positions of influence must prioritize public welfare over personal gain.

Revision Tip:
Illustrate injustice by power misuse (scandals) vs. exemplary service (visionary leaders).

2. IBC-Style Outline

Introduction

  • Hook: “When a senior bureaucrat in 2012 pilfered relief funds earmarked for Uttarakhand flood victims, his position of power magnified the betrayal—underscoring that authority demands heightened responsibility.”
  • Definitions:
    • Power: ability to influence decisions, allocate resources, or enforce laws (political, economic, social).
    • Responsibility: obligation to act ethically, transparently, and for the common good.
  • Thesis: “Since power exponentially amplifies both impact and reach, those who possess it must shoulder commensurate responsibility; misuse of power can devastate institutions, communities, and trust in governance.”

Body

  1. Philosophical & Ethical Foundations
    1. Lord Acton’s dictum:
      • “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”—warns of moral decline without accountability.
    1. Bhagavad Gita on Leadership:
      • “Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam” (skill in action) implies that with larger roles come duties to act wisely.
    1. Dimension: Ethical frameworks underscore the nexus between authority and moral duty.
  2. Political Power & Public Accountability
    1. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Oversight:
      • Centre’s role in ensuring state-level disaster management—lack of coordination during 2008 Bihar flood resulted in 500 death toll; PMO assumed corrective oversight post-2010.
    1. Lokpal & Lokayuktas:
      • Lokpal Act (2013) seeks to hold top-level public servants accountable—responding to power misuse in 2G spectrum scandal (2008–09).
    1. Dimension: Greater political authority demands stronger accountability mechanisms to curb abuse.
  3. Economic Power & Corporate Responsibility
    1. Adani Group Allegations (2023):
      • Market manipulation and opacity—raised questions on the responsibility of conglomerates wielding vast economic power.
    1. Social Sector Entrepreneurship:
      • Aravind Eye Care’s cross-subsidy model—power of private enterprise used responsibly to provide free or subsidized eye care to 75 % of patients.
    1. Dimension: Corporate power must be balanced by social responsibility and ethical governance.
  4. Social Influence & Community Leadership
    1. Celebrities & Moral Authority:
      • Mahatma Gandhi’s moral power led to mass non-violence movement—responsibly guiding a nation.
      • Contrasted with modern celebrities endorsing questionable products (e.g., tobacco) and eroding social norms.
    1. Civil Society & Media:
      • Investigative journalism (e.g., Tehelka sting, 2001) wielded “power of press” responsibly to uncover corruption—catalyzing reforms.
      • Tabloid sensationalism (phone-hacking scandals) abused media power—breach of privacy.
    1. Dimension: Social influence demands ethical restraints lest it undermine public good.
  5. Conclusion
  6. Summarize: “Whether in politics, business, or civil society, escalating authority comes with amplified duty: to serve ethically, uphold justice, and protect the vulnerable.”
  7. Synthesis: “Effective institutions embed checks and balances (Lokpal, independent media, CSR norms) to ensure that power remains a tool for public welfare rather than selfish gain.”
  8. Visionary Close: “When individuals internalize that power obligates service, society moves toward a more equitable, accountable future.”

3. Core Dimensions & Examples

  • Lord Acton: “Power corrupts…”
  • 2G Spectrum Scandal: Lapses in regulation → ₹1.76 lakh crore loss (2012 CAG report).
  • Lokpal Act 2013: Aims to hold PMO, MPs accountable.
  • Aravind Eye Care: Uses scale and efficiency for mass inclusion—ethical enterprise model.
  • Tehelka Sting 2001: Media’s responsible use of power to expose corruption.

4. Useful Quotes/Thinkers

  • John Dalberg-Acton (Lord Acton): “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
  • Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
  • Nelson Mandela: “One of the things I learned as President was that there are two powers in the world: the sword and the spirit. In the long run, the sword will always be conquered by the spirit.”

5. Revision Tips

  • Contrast one abuse case (2G scandal, 2008) with one ethical leadership example (Aravind) to show breadth of “power and responsibility.”
  • Memorize Acton’s dictum to anchor your introduction.
  • Emphasize conclusion’s call for “checks and balances” to underscore institutional safeguards.