The Indian Constitution is the most prominent documentation in the country.
The Constitution’s scope stretches beyond its pages, institutionalizing the fundamental principles of public administration and socio-cultural norms.
It directs how the incumbent government must function, how to implement law and order, and the rights and duties of the citizens.
The 42nd and 86th Constitutional Amendments Act (1976 and 2002 respectively) altered the original draft of the Constitution, instating the obligations the State had to the citizens and the moral commitments the people were accountable to the nation.
Indifference to the fundamental duties assigned to citizens is condemnable and even incarcerating at times.
List of Fundamental Duties (after the 82nd Amendment Act in 2002, up till present day) –
- Uphold the Indian Constitution and respect the National Flag and Anthem.
- Follow the ideas behind the freedom struggle against colonialism.
- Protect the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of India.
- Defend the country and provide national service when required.
- Promote harmony and the spirit of universal brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities and renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
- Revere and preserve the rich heritage and diverse culture of the country
- Conserve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and have compassion for living creatures.
- Develop scientific attitude, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- Safeguard public property and abstain from violence.
- Progress towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, enabling the nation to rise to higher levels of accomplishments steadily.
- Provide opportunities for education to children between the age of six and fourteen years.
The Constitution manifests the supreme law of the land.
As citizens, we must realize our responsibilities to the country and our compatriots.
Fundamental Duties instill a feeling of unity and patriotism and pave the course to a dignified life in the country.