Our Duties As Citizens (My Idea Of An Ideal Citizen)

  When we talk about duties as citizens naturally the question arises as to who is called a citizen of India. The answer is provided by our constitution thus- A person can be a citizen of India, by Birth, by Descent, by Registration, by Naturalization or by Incorporation of Territory.

   Then comes the point of our duties for the nation or citizens. The very fundamental duties of a citizen are drawn in the Article 51A, part IVA’ of the Constitution of India. It is stipulated thus: It shall be the duty of every citizen of India- (1) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the national flag and the national anthem;( 2 ) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; (3 ) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;( 4 )to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so; (5) to promote harmony and the spirit  of brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women; (6) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;( 7) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures; (8 ) to develop the scientific temper, humanism, of the spirit of inquiry and reform;( 9) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence and  (10) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.

  It is quite understandable that there can never be rights unless these are duties. As it is aptly observed that rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot expect rights only. He has to perform some duties when he desires to have right over others. For example a student needs silent atmosphere when he is preparing for exams. It is his right to have peaceful atmosphere. It is others’ duty to provide the same to him and vice verse.

  Of course, there is no provision in the constitution for direct enforcement of any of these duties nor is there any section to prevent their violation. The above duties nor is there any section to prevent their violation. The above duties are the rules for guidance of citizens in their in their public conduct and the sentiments in them are such as cannot be challenged.