Omar Bennett
The Indian Constitution outlines the fundamental duties, or maulik kartavya, of its citizens, which were added in 1976 upon the recommendation of the Swarn Singh Committee. These duties emphasise the importance of civic responsibility and national integrity, providing a framework for citizens to fulfil their obligations to society and the nation. There are currently 11 maulik kartavya, or fundamental duties, which include respecting the constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem; defending the sovereignty and integrity of India; fostering a spirit of brotherhood amongst all; preserving cultural and natural heritage; and striving for excellence, among others. These duties serve as a reminder of the role of citizens in nation-building, promoting a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and social consciousness.
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What You'll Learn
Respect the constitution, national flag and anthem
The Indian Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem are all powerful symbols of the nation's freedom, hopes, and aspirations. Respecting these symbols is a way to show unity and patriotism as a citizen of India. Here are some ways in which citizens can show their respect:
Respecting the Constitution
The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the land and the foundation of India's democratic governance. Respecting the Constitution means understanding its importance, upholding its values, and defending the rights and liberties it guarantees. Citizens can educate themselves about the Constitution, participate in the political process, and ensure that their actions and decisions are informed by the constitutional framework.
Honouring the National Flag
The National Flag of India, with its tricolour of deep saffron, white, and dark green, and the navy blue chakra at its centre, is a symbol of the nation's freedom and the aspirations of its people. Citizens can show respect to the flag by following the guidelines for its display and usage. This includes hoisting the flag with dignity and honour, ensuring it does not touch the ground, and flying it from sunrise to sunset. The flag should not be used for communal gains or as drapery, and no other flag should be placed higher than it.
Observing Decorum with the National Anthem
The National Anthem of India, "Jana Gana Mana," composed by Rabindranath Tagore, holds a special place in the country's cultural and patriotic life. Citizens can show respect by standing up when the anthem is played or sung, ensuring that the environment is dignified and solemn. While there is no obligation to sing along, those who choose not to sing can remain silent and respectful during the approximate 52 seconds of the full version or 20 seconds of the shortened version.
In conclusion, respecting the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem of India goes beyond mere symbolism. It is a way for citizens to demonstrate their commitment to the nation's democratic ideals, freedom, and unity. By honouring these symbols, citizens uphold the values that bind the country together and pay tribute to the rich history and diverse culture of India.
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Uphold freedom ideals
The Indian Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights, including the right to freedom, which is considered essential for the functioning of Indian democracy. The right to freedom is enshrined in Articles 19, 20, 21A, and 22 of the Indian Constitution. It gives citizens basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech and expression, freedom of personal liberty, and the freedom to live a life of dignity.
The freedom to form associations is also guaranteed by the right to freedom. This allows workers to form trade unions, although the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966 prohibits police personnel from doing so. The freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India is also included, although it can be restricted on grounds of security, public order, or for protecting the interests of the Scheduled Tribes.
The right to freedom is important as it is a basic human right. The Indian national struggle against colonialism was a fight for freedom from foreign rule and the right to live a life with dignity, to determine one's own way of life, and to be able to live a meaningful and secure life.
The Indian Constitution also outlines eleven fundamental duties, which are the moral responsibilities of citizens to promote patriotism and uphold the unity of the country. These duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. One of these duties is to uphold freedom ideals, which includes:
- Respecting and upholding the ideals and institutions of the Constitution, such as democracy, secularism, and socialism, as well as national symbols like the National Flag and National Anthem.
- Cherishing and following the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom, such as non-violence, equality, and justice, and respecting the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
- Upholding and protecting the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, which includes defending the country and rendering national service when called upon.
- Promoting harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people in India, transcending religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional diversities.
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Protect India's sovereignty and integrity
The Indian Constitution outlines 11 fundamental duties or maulik kartavya for Indian citizens, which were added in 1976 under the 42nd Amendment. These duties emphasise the importance of civic responsibility and national integrity, serving as a guiding framework for citizens to fulfil their obligations to society and the nation. While these duties do not carry legal force, they remind citizens of their role in nation-building.
One of the 11 fundamental duties is to "protect India's sovereignty and integrity". This duty encompasses several specific responsibilities, including:
- Upholding and protecting India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity. This involves safeguarding the country's independence and ensuring that it remains a strong, unified nation.
- Defending the country and providing national service when required. This entails being ready to protect India's borders and contributing to the country's development through voluntary service.
- Promoting harmony and a sense of common brotherhood among all Indians, transcending religious, linguistic, regional, and other differences. This means fostering an environment where all citizens feel a sense of unity and mutual respect, regardless of their background.
- Renouncing practices that are derogatory to the dignity of women. This includes speaking out against gender-based violence and discrimination and promoting gender equality.
- Valuing and preserving India's rich cultural heritage. This involves celebrating and protecting the country's diverse traditions, customs, and history.
- Protecting and improving the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and showing compassion for all living creatures.
- Developing a scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry and reform. This encourages citizens to embrace rational thinking, question existing practices, and strive for continuous improvement.
- Safeguarding public property and abjuring violence. This involves protecting government-owned assets and promoting peaceful means of conflict resolution.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, Indian citizens play a crucial role in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, contributing to a strong and united India.
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Defend the nation and provide national services
The Constitution of India is the supreme legal document of India and the longest written national constitution in the world. It lays down the framework for the fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out the fundamental rights, directive principles, and duties of citizens.
One of the 11 fundamental duties of Indian citizens is to defend the nation and provide national services when necessary. This duty encompasses a range of responsibilities that contribute to the security and well-being of the country and its people.
Defending the nation involves safeguarding India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This includes protecting the country from external aggressors, such as military invasions or terrorist attacks, and internal threats, like civil unrest or lawlessness. It also entails preserving law and order, ensuring national security, and upholding the Constitution of India.
Providing national services refers to contributing to the country's overall welfare and development. This can take many forms, such as serving in the military or performing community service. It also includes promoting and preserving the country's diverse cultures and natural environment, including its lakes, wildlife, rivers, and forests. Additionally, fostering scientific temper and humanism is an integral part of providing national services, as it encourages critical thinking, rational decision-making, and a human-centric approach to nation-building.
The duty to defend the nation and provide national services is not just a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility for Indian citizens. It instils a sense of patriotism, social consciousness, and commitment to the country's progress. By fulfilling this duty, citizens actively contribute to the unity and integrity of India, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for all.
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Foster a spirit of brotherhood
Fraternity, or the idea of brotherhood and unity, has been a part of political philosophy since ancient times. In the context of the Indian Constitution, fraternity is a fundamental duty and a core value, enshrined alongside liberty and equality. The promotion of harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India is one of the eleven fundamental duties mentioned in Article 51A(e) of the Indian Constitution.
The concept of fraternity in India is closely linked to social solidarity and unity, and it plays a pivotal role in fostering equality in society. The framers of the Indian Constitution recognised the importance of fraternity in a society marred by hierarchical social inequalities. The Indian Constitution's fundamental duties are not enforceable by law, but they serve as a reminder to citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation and society. These duties also promote a sense of social consciousness and civic engagement.
The duty to foster a spirit of brotherhood encourages citizens to embrace the principles of equality, justice, and fraternity. This duty is especially important in a diverse country like India, where differences in religion, language, caste, or creed can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among communities. Religious or caste-based differences often result in mistrust, discrimination, and even violence, eroding the spirit of brotherhood. Incidents of religious intolerance or conflicts can disrupt social cohesion and unity, making it challenging to foster fraternity.
To promote a spirit of brotherhood, citizens are encouraged to foster a sense of inclusivity, respect diversity, and promote tolerance and understanding among all individuals. Promoting patriotism and national pride can also bring people together, fostering a sense of fraternity and unity. Additionally, a functioning moral order in society, including adherence to ethical values, social responsibility, and a sense of social justice, is crucial for maintaining fraternity and brotherhood.
In conclusion, the Indian Constitution's fundamental duty to foster a spirit of brotherhood aims to create a united and harmonious society, where individuals from diverse backgrounds can coexist peacefully and contribute to the nation's progress and development.
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Frequently asked questions
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution are a set of moral obligations that citizens are expected to uphold, promoting a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and social consciousness.
The Fundamental Duties were added to the Indian Constitution in 1976, following the recommendations of the Swarn Singh Committee, which was formed by Indira Gandhi to review and amend the Constitution after the declaration of the National Emergency.
As of the 86th Amendment in 2002, there are 11 Fundamental Duties in total.
The Fundamental Duties centre around the respect for the Constitution, the nation, and its people. They include duties such as upholding the sovereignty and integrity of India, defending the country, promoting social harmony, preserving cultural and natural heritage, fostering a scientific temper, and safeguarding public property.
No, the Fundamental Duties do not have legal force, but they serve as a reminder to citizens of their role in nation-building and the importance of fulfilling their responsibilities towards society and the nation.
