Essay writing is a critical skill for candidates appearing in UPSC civil service examination, where it serves as a test of their knowledge, critical thinking, and expressive capabilities. Aditya Srivastava, a top ranker (AIR 1, 2023)  in the UPSC, exemplifies the heights of mastery in essay writing, particularly noted for his eloquent explorations of philosophical themes. This blog delves into the sophisticated techniques Aditya employed in his essays, shedding light on how these strategies contributed to his remarkable success in one of the toughest competitive examinations in India.

The Introduction: A Personality-Driven Narrative

Aditya started his essays with captivating introductions. He skillfully incorporated quotes and references from diverse personalities such as Erich Fromm, Mahatma Buddha, and J. Robert Oppenheimer. This approach not only grabbed the examiner's attention but also set a strong foundation for the philosophical discourse that followed. By weaving historical narratives into the introductions, he established a broad, insightful context for his arguments. 

The Body: A Tapestry of Dimensions and Examples 

In the body of his essays, Aditya demonstrated a masterful use of multidimensional analysis covering historical, economic, societal, technological, and ethical perspectives. His essays were enriched with poignant examples:

His narrative style had an emotional undulation that effectively captured and retained reader interest. He juxtaposed serious philosophical discussions with relatable examples like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, which simplified complex ideas and kept the reader engaged.

Integrating Diverse Thoughts

A distinctive feature of Aditya’s writing was his ability to bring together contrasting ideas and examples. He could discuss Bentham’s utilitarianism in one paragraph and talk about India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission in the next, drawing intriguing parallels between philosophical doctrines and scientific endeavors.

His ability to explain the thoughts of profound thinkers like Socrates and Carl Jung in layman’s terms made his essays accessible and compelling. 

Raising Questions and Integrating Constitutional Values

Aditya often enhanced his essays by weaving in India’s constitutional values and fundamental duties. He skillfully raised questions throughout his essays, prompting the reader to think deeply and critically about the issues at hand. 

This not only reflected his deep understanding but also his commitment to engaging the reader actively.

Strategic Use of Presentation and Connectors

Aditya's essay writing is marked by a clear, logical flow, which is a testament to his deep understanding of the essay structure and the importance of coherence in argumentation. He adeptly highlights key points, ensuring that significant ideas stand out, thus guiding the reader through the complexities of his arguments. 

His awareness of the necessity to maintain a smooth narrative flow is evident in his strategic use of connectors. Phrases like "however," "on the other hand," and "similarly" are not merely transitional tools for him; they are the means through which he weaves various segments of his analysis into a cohesive whole. 

This methodical use of language helps to bridge different ideas and viewpoints, making his essays not only informative but also engaging and easy to follow.

Conclusion: Philosophical and Visionary

Aditya's approach to concluding his essays is particularly distinctive and reflective. In addressing philosophical topics, he skillfully ties the conclusion back to the theme, enriching the closing with deeper insight and resolution. For instance, in his essay "A mind all logic is like a blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it," he concludes by suggesting that the sharp blade of logic should be sheathed in the wood of empathy and wisdom. 

This metaphor extends further as he envisions transforming the knife into a brush, used to paint a collective future. This poetic finale not only encapsulates his argument but also leaves the reader with a vivid image of how balanced thinking can lead to constructive outcomes.

The Art of Brainstorming 

Aditya’s ability to write compelling essays can be attributed to his proficient use of brainstorming technique. Through this, he is able to blend diverse range of ideas, into introduction, body and conclusion in a logical and well structured manner. By thoroughly exploring and organising his thoughts beforehand, Aditya ensures that his essay are well composed reflecting upon quality of content, depth and clarity of thought. 

The Takeaway for Aspiring UPSC Candidates

Aditya’s essay-writing prowess serves as a masterclass for UPSC aspirants. It shows that successful essay writing hinges not just on what you say but on how you say it. Integrating quotes, leveraging multidimensional examples, maintaining an emotional rhythm, and philosophically enriching conclusions can elevate your essays from good to great.

For those preparing for the UPSC or any other examination where essay writing is crucial, take a leaf out of Aditya’s book: enrich your essays with diverse examples, data-backed assertions, and a narrative that flows logically and emotionally. Remember, a great essay is not just read; it is experienced.

To read and analyse Aditya’s Essay writing skills, click on the link below:

https://visionias.in/resources/material/?id=2471&type=toppers_answers