Essay on Fundamental Duties: The constitution of India has listed down every citizen’s fundamental duties. They are a gentle reminder to every person to perform his duties towards the nation for its well-being. Part 4 –A of the Indian constitution provides insights about fundamental duties. It imposes certain democratic conduct, responsibility and obligations for citizens. Countries like USA, Canada and Australia do not have fundamental duties listed in their constitution.
Essay on Fundamental Duties 500 Words in English
We have provided Fundamental Duties Essay in English, suitable for class 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.
“O, citizens of Bharat! As our ancient saints and seers, leaders and preceptors have performed their duties righteously, similarly, you shall not falter to execute your duties.” ~ Rig Veda
Our constitution has given us many constitutional or fundamental rights, but we need to remember that it contains some constitutional or fundamental duties too! Rights and Duties are inseparable. The existence of one without other is meaningless. You can’t ask of a right, without a corresponding duty or vice versa. They are the two sides of the same coin. Even, Mahatma Gandhi once said: “The very performance of a duty secures us our right. Rights cannot be divorced from duties.” Surprisingly, the Fundamental Duties weren’t part of the original Indian Constitution, when it was written at the time of Indian Independence. They were later added in the constitution in 1976 through a constitutional amendment.
By observing the duties, it can be concluded that these duties were taken from the Indian traditions, mythologies, religions and practices. These duties were, essentially, the reflection of the Indian way of life. The concept of fundamental duties was taken from the erstwhile U.S.S.R constitution, as the socialist countries considered the rights and duties to be of equal importance. Till then, Japan was the only democratic nation to have duties for its citizens. Still, not having ‘duties’ in the constitution, doesn’t mean that the citizens of that country behave irresponsibly.
- 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;
- to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
- 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;
- to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
- to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;
- to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
- to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
- 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;
- for 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.
The Fundamental duties are a constant reminder that along with rights, there is also some moral obligation of the citizens towards the nation. Various nations worldwide have embodied the principle of ‘responsible citizens’, and moved towards developed countries’ path. In the current times, the fundamental duties are of utmost importance. For example, the duty under Article 51-A(g) asks for protecting the environment, which is extremely needed today in the climate change crisis. The importance of these fundamental duties is immense.
Even the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana also ask people to perform their duties. Lord Krishna in Gita says, “One should do one’s duties without expectation of any fruits.” Democracy can’t be there unless the citizens become responsible for their country’s progress. For democracy to survive, a high sense of duty is a must. Also, rights and duties have to exist together. Rights without duties can lead to anarchy. Since time immemorial, Indian culture has always stressed upon an individual’s “Kartavya” – the performance of one’s duties towards society, family and his/her country.
“It is the duty of every person to contribute to the development and progress of India.” ~ Swami Vivekanand
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