Sample Answer
Introduction
Integrity means the ability of an individual to remain consistent and committed to his/her personal and professional values. It means that one adheres to ethical and moral values, code of conduct and code of ethics.
Body
A person with integrity gets empowered through his/her strong character, build by consistently following ethical and moral principles:
- High standards of professional integrity: Professional integrity exhorts one to work in an open, transparent and responsible way, thus empowering them professionally. For example, Lal Bahdur Shastri, resigned as a railway minister, taking responsibility for a train accident. His integrity was instrumental in his becoming the 2nd PM od India.
- Integrity in public life: T.N Seshan, 10th Chief Election Commissioner of India, was chastised by crony media and corrupt politicians for his reforms in electoral practices. However, his integrity helped him to establish him as an icon of transparency and efficiency.
- Integrity in leadership: Mahatma Gandhi revoked the Non-Cooperation movement after the Chauri Chaura incident. He had to face severe criticism from his followers. However, his integral approach was instrumental in building of a non-violent freedom struggle.
- Integrity in sports: Sachin Tendulkar, playing a cricket match, decided to walk off the ground, after the appeal by the bowler, even though he was declared as not-out by the empire. Although, he could not make his hundred, his integrity established him as an honourable sportsman, respected worldwide.
Conclusion
Integrity helps an individual to resolve the conflict between one’s desires on one hand and one’s values, beliefs principles on the other hand. It might appear as self-defeating momentarily, but it empowers the human being in the longer run.
