Q.Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: (1+1+2=4)
"There cannot be any divided loyalty"
Govind Ballabh Pant emphasised to become loyal citizens.
"For the success of democracy one must train himself in the art of self-discipline. In democracies one should care less for himself and more for others. All loyalties must exclusively be centred round the State. If in a democracy, you create rival loyalties, or you create a system in which any individual or group, instead of suppressing his extravagance, cares nought for larger or other interests, then democracy is doomed."
(33.1) How has Pant described the key to the success of democracy?
(33.2) How has Pant defined the art of self-discipline in democracy?
(33.3) Explain Pant's views on the relationship between democracy and equality. (2)
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Pant argues that democracy succeeds only when citizens practice self-discipline by prioritizing the state and collective good over personal or group interests — any divided loyalty destroys democracy.
(33.1) How has Pant described the key to the success of democracy? (1)
Pant directly states that the key to democracy's success is training oneself in the art of self-discipline. He does not list institutions, elections, or rights as the primary condition — instead, he places the burden on the individual citizen's inner character. For him, democracy is not just a system of governance; it is a way of life that demands that each person learns to subordinate personal desires to the larger public good.
The phrase "train himself" is deliberate — Pant sees self-discipline as a skill that must be cultivated, not something innate.
(33.2) How has Pant defined the art of self-discipline in democracy? (1)
Pant defines the art of self-discipline as caring less for oneself and more for others. This is a remarkably concise and moral definition. In a democracy, self-discipline is not about rigid self-denial for its own sake; it is about reorienting one's priorities so that the welfare of others and the stability of the state come before personal advantage. The "art" lies in balancing freedom with responsibility.
A common mistake is to confuse self-discipline with mere obedience to law. Pant means something deeper — an internal, voluntary shift in loyalty away from narrow self-interest.
(33.3) Explain Pant's views on the relationship between democracy and equality. (2)
This question is subtle because Pant does not use the word "equality" even once in the given passage. A careful reading shows that his focus is entirely on loyalty, discipline, and the danger of divided interests — not on economic or social equality. So what should a student write?
The correct approach is to explain that Pant's argument implies a certain kind of equality — but not the one we usually think of. Here is the reasoning:
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Pant insists that "all loyalties must exclusively be centred round the State." This means that no individual or group — whether rich or poor, powerful or weak — should place their own faction's interest above the nation's. In that sense, democracy demands equal subordination of all citizens to the state.
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He warns against "rival loyalties" and "extravagance" that "cares nought for larger or other interests." This is a direct attack on inequality of privilege — where a powerful group uses democracy to serve only itself. For Pant, true democracy cannot survive if some groups are allowed to put themselves above others. …
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