We all learned in school about the Fundamental Rights that all Indian citizens have at birth. Do we remember them? Let’s say most of us will probably be able to recall enough. But do you remember the little thing that always stood next to the Fundamental Rights in our forgotten Social Studies textbooks? I, of course, speak of a little thing called Fundamental Duties – remember those? The enthusiastic young fellows at Lex Do It went out to find the answer in an inspiring video.
Jurisprudence, the science and philosophy of justice says that rights of a person is what the state owes it’s people, but duty is what the people owe the state in return of the rights. It’s a plain and simple barter which maintains equilibrium and helps the society move ahead, progressively. And from what this video showed us, many of us don’t quite remember our role in this barter.
Fear not, desh-vaasiyon! We understand. It’s been years since we refreshed our memories and here’s our rescue!
According to the Constitution, our Fundamental Duties as citizens of India are:
1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
5. 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.
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.
8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
10. 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.
Watch the complete video here:
And now that you know, do your part and spread the word. Let’s all BE the citizens our incredible country deserves. Happy Republic Day! And Jai Hind!