Efficacy of our democracy: Be conscious of your fundamental rights but acknowledge fundamental duties enshrined in constitution as well!

With India on a transitional phase from a developing to the developed nation, meeting the growing aspirations of people is the foremost priority of the sitting government. From good education, to jobs, to freedom of expression/ opinion, to right to equality, young India demands better all-round development, also referred to as “fundamental rights”.

Criticizing the national policies, questioning the Supreme Court decisions, are all considered to be the traits of Fundamental rights and expression, enshrined in Part III of the Constitution of India. Today's education system is built on the premise that nothing is bigger than your rights, which is true, in fact, everyone should be aware of their rights.

However, there is a fine line between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. What the current Indian generation doesn’t realize is that in the name of freedom of expression, they're also trying to break the principles, ideals and years of sacrifice of the prominent leaders that formed this nation. From not standing up for the national anthem to disrespecting the national flag, to sympathizing with Kashmiri separatist or Maoists, to disrespecting Indian security forces, the Indian media has managed to divide opinions in the name of fundamental rights.

We often hear about activists or common people fighting for their human rights. But what are these rights? And who gave us these rights? Have you ever thought about such factors? It would be interesting to highlight it to the current generation that Fundamental Rights are not god gifted as they were created as a part of the constitution after years of discussion and study by the constituent assembly. They were created to abolish inequality, religious prosecution, among others, in an Independent India. However, the recent misinterpretation by some section of the society couldn’t have any wrong.

That said, one thing that is respected the most by all sections in India is its constitution. The same constitution that also speaks of the Fundamental duties as well. They're incorporated to remind every citizen that they shouldn't only be conscious of their rights but their duties as well. The only clause that separates it from the fundamental rights is that it's not enforceable by law, however if the state wants, it can implement it.

It was the 42nd Amendment of 1976 that introduced Fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution. It strictly holds that it shall be the duty of every Indian citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem; to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, among others.

If one studies them all closely, they would realize the importance of such duties. Governments may come and go; law implemented today may not remain tomorrow; however one thing that should never be disrespected is the country. It’s the very soil that supports 1.3 billion people of the world, the same soil which despite encountering multiple invasions and years of repression, remains fertile and continues to channel fresh water sources, says Sanjay Dalmia, a renowned nationalist.

Law should be equal for all; every Indian citizen has a constitutional right to ask questions to the government and scrutinize its policies in every possible manner. However, the same approach shouldn’t be extended to the National Anthem, National Flag, as these are few of the things that continue to unite our nation, despite of co-existence of people from different caste, creed, ethnicity, religion, etc.

Don’t compromise on the national identity. The government, judges, police, they all are a part of the same society and they all come from us. If there is something wrong with them, then it is perhaps our own approach to life, where we always look for shortcuts to resolve the matter. Respect the nation, be conscious of your fundamental rights and do acknowledge your fundamental duties as only then can this nation avert prospective threats and prosper in the long run.

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!