Civil Services Mains 2020 Results: In or Out ? Way ahead, gratitude and Pain

As@whatonly pointed out drishyam is great. If you like crime thriller style movies then “Oru CBI Diarykuruppu” ( A CBI Diary Entry) is a classic that brings out nostalgia. IMO Malayalam movie industry isn’t particularly known for thrillers. It excels in slice-of-life movies with relatable characters. Honestly if you see the set design and costumes of even the most famous actors, they are made to look like regular people (for the most part, not withstanding the typical masala fare)

You have listed some of my favourites. I stand in awe of you. 

While the topic is on movie suggestions, 

I would suggest people to try a telugu movie called "PelliChoopulu", if they haven't seen it yet. It's one of my favorite. A hilarious entertainer, with a very well written female lead character. 

Joji was the best movie I've seen this year! Been suggesting it to every non malayali friend I talk to :D

Great suggestions! But Forensic? Really? Amongst these? *rolls eyes*

From the recent Maratha Reservation case judgement

39. The availability of these constitutional provisions, however does not mean that those belonging to backward class of citizens would be better off or would reap any automatic benefits. Here, it is relevant to consider that often, any debate as to the efficacy or extent of reservation, invariably turns to one stereotypical argument- of merit. Long ago, in his important work45– Marc Galanter had dealt with the issue of merit in this manner: “Let us take merit to mean performance on tests (examinations, interview, character references or whatever) thought to be related to performance relevant to the position (or other opportunity) in question and commonly used as a measure of qualification for that position. (In every case it is an empirical question whether the test performance is actually a good predictor of performance in the position, much less of subsequent positions for which it is a preparation.) Performance on these tests is presumably a composite of native ability, situational advantages (stimulation in the family setting, good schools, sufficient wealth to avoid malnutrition or exhausting work, etc.), and individual effort. The latter may be regarded as evidence of moral desert, but neither native ability nor situational advantages would seem to be. The common forms of selection by merit do not purport to measure the moral desert dimension of performance. Unless one is willing to assume that such virtue is directly proportionate to the total performance, the argument for merit selection cannot rest on the moral deservingness of individual candidates…..”

40. In his judgment, (in Indra Sawhney) Sawant,J. too spoke of this phenomenon:

 “405. The inequalities in Indian society are born in homes and sustained through every medium of social advancement. Inhuman habitations, limited and crippling social intercourse, low-grade educational institutions and degrading occupations perpetuate the inequities in myriad ways. Those who are fortunate to make their escape from these all-pervasive dragnets by managing to attain at least the minimum of attainments in spite of the paralysing effects of the debilitating social environment, have to compete with others to cross the threshold of their backwardness. Are not those attainments, however low by the traditional standards of measuring them, in the circumstances in which they are gained, more creditable? Do they not show sufficient grit and determination, intelligence, diligence, potentiality and inclination towards learning and scholarship? Is it fair to compare these attainments with those of one who had all the advantages of decent accommodation with all the comforts and facilities, enlightened and affluent family and social life, and high quality education? Can the advantages gained on account of the superior social circumstances be put in the scales to claim merit and flaunted as fundamental rights? May be in many cases, those coming from the high classes have not utilised their advantages fully and their score, though compared with others, is high, is in fact not so when evaluated against the backdrop of their superior advantages - may even be lower…..

 406. Those who advance merit contention, unfortunately, also ignore the very basic fact - (though in other contexts, they may be the first to accept it) - that the traditional method of evaluating merit is neither scientific nor realistic. Marks in one-time oral or written test do not necessarily prove the worth or suitability of an individual to a particular post, much less do they indicate his comparative calibre. What is more, for different posts, different tests have to be applied to judge the suitability. The basic problems of this country are massoriented. India lives in villages, and in slums in towns and cities. To tackle their problems and to implement measures to better their lot, the country needs personnel who have firsthand knowledge of their problems and have personal interest in solving them. What is needed is empathy and not mere sympathy. One of the major reasons why during all these years after Independence, the lot of the downtrodden has not even been marginally improved and why majority of the schemes for their welfare have remained on paper, is perceptibly traceable to the fact that the implementing machinery dominated as it is by the high classes, is indifferent to their problems….”

  There were observations earlier in the judgment of Chinnappa Reddy, J, in K.C. Vasant Kumar (supra). 

 Anatole France had – in his ironic (and iconic) observations remarked once, that 

“In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread.”

41. The previous rulings in Vasant Kumar (supra), and the comments of Dr. Amartya Sen in his work “Merit and Justice” were considered in some detail, in the recent ruling in B.K. Pavitra v. Union of India46 ,

 ““Merit” must not be limited to narrow and inflexible criteria such as one's rank in a standardised exam, but rather must flow from the actions a society seeks to reward, including the promotion of equality in society and diversity in public administration.”

 This court also noted that merit as we understand - i.e. performance in standardised tests, is largely dependent upon neutral factors, which discriminate in favour of those who are privileged.

Link: https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/maratha-case-judgment-392923.pdf

.

Commenting because you brought out a very important question- whether meritocracy is fair? 

Meritocracy is the reason we've been witnessing a qualitative change in our lives in all spheres- political, economic, technological etc. However, the philosophy is exclusionary in nature. It leaves out the less meritorious behind. 

Less meritorious are being left out in order to improve the quality of living, in general, for the rest. 

A pertinent question therefore arises- Is the idea of development that excludes a certain class of people (non-meritorious) to have an incremental increase in the quality of living of certain other, correct? 

I honestly do not have answer to that. This question gets linked to the capitalism vs socialism debate. If you think from a neutral perspective, none of them is the ideal way of living. They are just different perspectives. Capitalism is the dominant narrative these days and hence, it appeals to most of us. 

Meritocracy exists because capitalism is the mainstream logic. I tend to think about meritocracy in a very crude manner. 

We all are running a marathon of life. The meritorious definitely have the head-start. A case in point is a friend of mine from Haryana. Let's call him Amitabh. Amitabh comes from an 'educated' family. Single-quoting the word for a reason. His grandparents have doctorate degrees and so, does his parents. This is what a head-start is. My friend himself has brilliant aptitude, inter-personal skills and becomes a centre of attraction instantly wherever he goes. Why not! 4 doctorate degrees have been instrumental in shaping his personality. 

Brings me to a question-Where to draw the line in meritocracy? Is it really fair? 

Let's put a context to understand why I link meritocracy with fairness or 'un'fairness. Amitabh and one other friend, Abhishek, a first-generation graduate sat for the JEE exam. None of them fall under any reservation quota. 

Now, the JEE exam has same parameters to judge both Amitabh and Abhishek. Is it fair to judge the two personalities on a common standard? 

I do not think so. Amitabh has an edge. Better conditioning of mind, better parenting certainly has a role in shaping one's personality. 

That being said, I do not know what could be a better alternative to the meritocratic system. Whether merit is a virtue or a divider is also an important question? 

The bottom line is we are indeed living in an unfair world. Reservation for merit or merit for reservation are equally bad. It's our common sense that has had our faculties eclipsed in favour or against reservation/meritocracy. We do not have a perfect alternative to replace it with. Let's learn to live with whatever system is in place and continue to make piecemeal reforms to push them towards maximum possible fairness. 

Doooood. I confused Anjaam Paathira with Forensic. 😅 

Even Anjaam Paathira is a bit overrated if you ask me. But good entertainment value!

Another crime related movie is Mumbai Police, which I loved.

Also, why is Salt & Pepper, Da Thadiya, Praanjiyettan, Ayyappanum Koshiyum, Neelakasham Pachakkadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Thondi Muthalum Driksaakshiyum, Take Off and Traffic not figuring in these discussions?!

So, I was watching Yes, minister as suggested by@12432TrivendrumRajdhani. In the episode titled The writing on the wall comes a reference to the European identity. In context of brexit, the conversation still makes a lot of sense :P

Sir Humphrey: Minister, Britain has had the same foreign policy objective for at least the last five hundred years: to create a disunited Europe. In that cause, we have fought with the Dutch against the Spanish, with the Germans against the french, with the french and Italian against germans, and with the french against Italian and german. Divide and rule, you see. Why should we change now, when it's worked so well?

Hacker: That's all ancient history, surely?

Sir Humphrey: Yes, and current policy. Wehadto break the whole thing [the EEC] up, so wehadto get inside. We tried to break it up from the outside, but that wouldn't work. Now that we're inside we can make a complete pig's breakfast of the whole thing — set the Germans against the French, the French against the Italians, the Italians against the Dutch... The Foreign Office is terribly pleased; it's just like old times.

Hacker: But surely we're all committed to the European ideal?

Sir Humphrey: Really, Minister.

Hacker: If not, why are we pushing for an increase in the membership?

Sir Humphrey: Well, for the same reason. It's just like the United Ntions, in fact; the more members it has, the more arguments it can stir up, the more futile and impotent it becomes.

Hacker: What appalling cynicism.

Sir Humphrey: Yes... We call it diplomacy, Minister.

Also in one of the episodes, there was a comparison of packed train compartment with Blackhole tragedy of Bengal. :/

P.S. For the movie recommendation, do watch "Into the wild". An emotional and beautiful journey. Available on Prime.

Absolutely in love with the series. Even I started after@12432TrivendrumRajdhani  told to do so. 

from kaptaan group

"UPSC mei koi seengh nai lage hain ... " Right! :P.@mehuifs 

TIL Hera Pheri series is a remake. Thank you! 

I truly loved Bangalore Days :D

directly from notification.. no need for final result before prelims.