Article 51A of the Indian
Constitution lays down the Fundamental Duties of citizens of India. These
duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. The
Fundamental Duties are a set of moral obligations that the citizens of India
are expected to fulfill towards the nation. The idea behind these duties is to
create a sense of responsibility among citizens towards the nation, its
culture, heritage and ideals.
The Fundamental Duties listed under Article 51A are
as follows:
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 that inspired the 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 common brotherhood among all the people of India transcending religious,
linguistic and regional or sectional diversities.
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 wildlife, and to have
compassion for living creatures.
8. To develop scientific temper,
humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard public property and
to abjure violence.
10.
To strive
towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
The Fundamental Duties are not enforceable by law
and there is no penalty for not performing them. However, it is the moral
responsibility of every citizen to follow them. These duties help to promote a
sense of nationalism, patriotism, and social responsibility among the citizens
of India. The Fundamental Duties also serve as a reminder to the citizens that
along with their rights, they also have certain responsibilities towards the
nation.