VALUES, RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES OF INDIAN CITIZENS

Abstract

The Preamble of our Constitution says, WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a  [SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC] and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the [unity and integrity of the Nation]. 

The preamble can be referred to as the preface which highlights the entire Constitution, makes it very clear that the ideals of the Constitution has to percolate to every citizen of India. 

India has a glorious history of democracy since ancient times. Eminent historian, Shri K P Jayaswal stated that the concept of republic system in ancient India is older than the Roman or Greek republican system. The ancient republics or Janpadas such as Vaishali, Kapilavastu and Mithila etc. and their constitutions are older than 600 BC, and are the foundation of constitutional democracy of India. 

Since ancient times, people in India have followed the tradition of performing their duties without questioning about their rights and privileges. Since time immemorial, an individual’s “kartavya” — the performance of one’s duties towards society, his/her country and his/her parents was emphasized. Describing the role of a king, at one place the greatest King Chandra Gupta Maurya’s Guru Chanakya, had stated that “It is a king’s utmost duty to look after the progress and welfare of the people of his country”.  

Since time immemorial people in India has believed in the concept that Work is worship, thus emphasizing on one’s duty which means that if every individual performs their duties with sincerity, then it amounts to a worship mechanism. Here it is important to mention that Rig Veda talks about fundamental values which include harmony, tolerance, righteousness, respect for nature, and respect for the (unseen) supreme. 

Bhagwad Gita and Ramayana also speak that an individual should perform their duties. In the Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna said that everyone should do their duties without expecting anything. Mahatma Gandhi once said that “I have learnt my duties in my mother’s lap, she was an illiterate woman but knew what was my dharma”. The beauty of this ancient thought is that, performance of duty protects our right and rights cannot be divorced from duties. Swami Vivekananda once rightly said “it is the duty of every citizen to contribute and participate in the development and progress of India”.