A person L is great at solving any kind of mathematical problem, but he is unable to understand social cues and cater to his family needs. He by origin is from USA and is currently living in Singapore with his parents, wife and children. He works over 14 hours a day as an IT professional, hence doesn’t commit to his family or his responsibilities as a father. His wife claims that he is very intelligent, honest and polite, but he is not concerned about others. As per intelligence in the Indian tradition, L is lacking in which key aspect out of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Social competence
Option (1) Cognitive capacity — Incorrect. It covers sensitivity to context, understanding, discrimination, problem solving and effective communication. L is great at solving any mathematical problem and is called very intelligent, so he does not lack this.
Option (2) Emotional competence — Incorrect. It covers self-regulation and self-monitoring of emotions, honesty, politeness, good conduct and self-evaluation. His wife calls him honest and polite, which are the marks of this competence.
Option (3) Social competence — Correct. It covers respect for social order, commitment to elders, the young and the needy, concern about others and recognising others’ perspectives. L cannot read social cues, does not commit to his family or to his duties as a father, and is not concerned about others: this is the competence he lacks.
Option (4) Entrepreneurial competence — Incorrect. It covers commitment, persistence, patience, hard work, vigilance and goal-directed behaviour. Working over 14 hours a day as an IT professional shows hard work and persistence, not a lack of them.
NCERT (2025-26): “Intelligence in the Indian Tradition … Unlike the western views, which primarily focus on cognitive parameters, the following competencies are identified as facets of intelligence in the Indian tradition :
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