PATRIOTISM: A NATIONAL DUTY

With the coming of the occasion of this 77^th Independence Day in India, the celebrations had already begun. As we all know that Independence Day is celebrated in India because on 15^th August 1947, we got independence from 200 years of British colonial rule. India will be celebrating its 77th Independence Day on 15 August 2023, marking 76 years of freedom. In particular, it serves as a remembrance of the tremendous sacrifices made by our freedom fighters in order to progress the liberation fight and win our freedom from British rule. The theme for Independence Day 2023 is “Nation First, Always First”.

But the feeling of nationalism and patriotism should not be limited to only republic day and Independence Day. As it is given in our constitution that a citizen is having rights but he also has some duties towards nations. People of this country feel that the concept of nationalism and patriotism is a burden on them. When the government initiates any movement of patriotism and nationalism feeling them people start opposing it and start saying that the government is infringing their right of freedom. They say that government cannot force us to respect the nation and follow the rules of national duties and it should be their own choice whether they respect their nation or disrespect their nation. An example of this is when the government makes a law that in movie theatres national anthem will be played before the start of every show then people start opposing it and saying that the government is infringing on our right to freedom and they cannot compel us to respect the national anthem and it should be our own choice that whether we want to respect nation and disrespect nation. So, in the name of freedom and rights people start refusing to follow the national duties.

Through this article, we will talk about what are the fundamental duties given in our constitution to us. And the respect of the nation should not be limited to only republic day and Independence Day. These are the fundamental duties present under Article 51A of the constitution of India: –

• To oblige with the Indian Constitution and respect the National Anthem and Flag.
• To cherish and follow the noble ideas that inspired the national struggle for freedom
• To protect the integrity, sovereignty, and unity of India
• To defend the country and perform national services if and when the country requires
• To promote the spirit of harmony and brotherhood amongst all the people of India and renounce any practices that are derogatory to women
• To cherish and preserve the rich national heritage of our composite culture
• To protect and improve the natural environment including lakes, wildlife, rivers, forests, etc.
• To develop a scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry
• To safeguard all public property
• To strive towards excellence in all genres of individual and collective activities

Although these obligations are not legally binding, a court will not take any action to defend them because they are non-enforceable. But it is not right that we didn’t follow them. If we want rights then we should follow the duties as what the theme of this Independence Day talks about “NATION FIRST, ALWAYS FIRST”.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY