Fundamental Duties: Duty Of Every Citizen Needs A Reminder

 Fundamental Duties: A Part That Needs Revival 

We all are very much aware of our fundamental rights, and that is what gives our democracy its strength. As duties and rights are two inseparable sides of one coin. Thus with these Fundamental rights, we also have our “fundamental duties”. It is routinely observed that many are not aware, that any such duties even exist. Furthermore, even those who are aware are least concerned about the observance of these duties. 

The reason behind this situation is that these duties find a place in academic books of certain degree courses and school books, but not in the conscience of our countrymen.

We all must have read these duties in our school books, But very conveniently we have forgotten them. Have you ever thought about it? were these duties inserted in our constitution just for an academic purpose. Certainly not!

These duties are meant to be observed by every citizen as his part in nation-building. Then where are we lacking in approach? Our low level of education is surely one reason behind it and secondly, a habit of becoming more & more right centric is probably the other. It is not like that our Governments have not tried to make it a public phenomenon. Many committees were formed and numerous commissions were appointed to do this job, but still, it could not get the required attention of the people.

 Once Former U.S President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address said the world-famous line “ Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country.” In straight words President made the people think about their duties before their rights.

A nation becomes strong not because of its resources but by the determination and participation of its citizens. In a building, every brick has its own importance and so is of every citizen in his/her nation. By observation of our duties, we can fulfil our responsibility towards our country.

So let’s understand what are these duties and what change it’s observance can bring in our Country.

Part 4A: Article 51A

Fundamental duties.—It shall be the duty of every citizen of India—

(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;

(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement;

(k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years?

In Layman’s Language

In simple words from paying respect to the National Anthem, safeguarding public property, have a broad-minded approach, & giving our children an opportunity to study is our fundamental duty.  To have compassion for all animals and the spirit of brotherhood for our fellow citizens, to being an environment-friendly person are our fundamental duties. Also in every aspect of life to perform our best with a patriotic feeling is our fundamental duty. 

In COVID Context 

If we see these duties in COVID pandemic context there is a dire need of its fulfilment.-

• Respect national institutions: its is our duty to respect all administrative and medical structures that are fighting this Pandemic such as our police men, doctors, Asha workers and our hygiene and sanitisation staff.
• Safeguarding public property: thus when an ambulance, police van or any property is under attack by the citizens, we are lacking in our duties.
• If our profession is related to corona fight work, its our duty to come forward and render our services to the nation. Or else it is our duty to support such warriors in their duties.
• To have scientific approach: if anyone suspects that he is infected by corona virus it is his duty, to self quarantine himself and to inform proper authorities, for getting proper medical treatment & avoiding  of spreading any further contamination rather than hiding himself.
• Promote harmony and brotherhood: it is our duty to stay away from hate messages and develop a harmonious environment for everyone.
• Cherish and follow noble ideal of freedom fight: it is our duty that we constantly remind ourself that we are living in this free nation due to sacrifices of millions of freedom fighters and now it is our duty to protect it. It can be done even by avoiding unnecessary roaming outside.
• And the last one is about providing our children an opportunity for education, so that we can make an updated and strong Bharat, avoiding vulnerability of our nation from attacks of rumours and misguiding messages.

An old adage says .. “Drop by drop mighty oceans form.” We all need a determined mindset towards these duties as every single step matters.

Nature Of These Duties 

At the time of making constitution we did not have these duties as a part of it. Later on in 1976 by 42nd amendment we got these duties on Swaran Singh committee’s recommendations. We borrowed this concept from USSR. Initially we had 10 duties, then in 2002 by 86th amendment we got our 11th duty. These duties are in form of moral obligation, these are non-justifiable, without any legal sanction in case of their violation or non-compliance.

That means in case if a person disobey his duties it is not a crime, and he cannot be forced to obey them. These are basic reminder of every citizen’s responsibility.

Judiciary’s Role

Judiciary being the protector of our fundamental rights always gave equal importance to fundamental duties through its landmark judgements. In case of “AIIMS Students Union versus AIIMS, 2002” the Honourable Supreme Court held that the fundamental duties are as equally important as the fundamental rights.
In series of judgements like Unnikrishnan judgement, 1993 and M.C. Mehta versus Union of India, 1998 the Apex court gave exemplary judgements related to right to education of child below the age of 14 years and environment protection guidelines. These  judgements boosted the concept of fundamental duties of citizens as well as directive principals of state.

Citizen’s part

The Bhagawad Gita says, "Your duty is your right."

This is why in 1947 when Mahatma Gandhi was asked to contribute his thoughts to the UDHR that was being drafted at that time, wrote in a letter to the director of UNESCO “I learned from my illliterate but wise mother that all rights to be deserved and preserved come from duty well done.”

That means by doing our duty our rights become safe itself. It is the basic principle throughout the trajectory of human civilisation.

 Should we not be attentive about these duties as much as we are attentive about our rights? Are we really aware of these duties and obligations as a citizen? Can we change picture of our democracy by following these duties? Yes, of course we can! Fulfilment of duty creates discipline and discipline makes our administration efficient, that finally results in a making of a strong nation.

In today’s circumstances when we are facing the Covid-19 pandemic challenge and as a consequence of lockdown the economic disaster is awaited in near future. In such circumstances by our consciousness for our duties, we can mitigate the losses. Because this is war against humanity and every citizen and will be won by efforts of all; hence by making this fight a mass movement we can defeat it. 

So let’s be determined to fulfil our duty, as our contribution towards the Nation.

Stay home! Stay Safe! Stay Aware!

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