Art.51A
Article 51A(j) of the Constitution of India states that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India 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.
This fundamental duty is based on the principle that every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the development of the nation. It is also based on the belief that India can achieve great things if its citizens strive for excellence in all spheres of activity.
The fundamental duty to strive for excellence is not just a lofty ideal. It is also a practical necessity. In today's competitive world, India cannot afford to have citizens who are not willing to work hard and achieve excellence.
There are many ways to strive for excellence. One way is to acquire knowledge and skills. Another way is to be creative and innovative. Still another way is to be hardworking and dedicated.
No matter how one chooses to strive for excellence, it is important to remember that it is a lifelong journey. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but it is important to never give up.
The fundamental duty to strive for excellence is a reminder that every citizen of India has the potential to make a difference. It is a call to action for all citizens to work together to build a better India.
Here are some examples of how citizens can strive for excellence in their daily lives:
• Students can strive for excellence in their studies by working hard, paying attention in class, and participating in extracurricular activities.
• Employees can strive for excellence in their work by being productive, taking initiative, and going the extra mile.
• Citizens can strive for excellence in their communities by volunteering their time, donating to charity, and working to make their communities better places to live.
• Indians can strive for excellence in the world by being ambassadors of India and promoting Indian values and culture.
The fundamental duty to strive for excellence is a powerful reminder that every citizen of India has the potential to make a difference. It is a call to action for all citizens to work together to build a better India.
*Fundamental Duties refer to the duties and responsibilities of the citizens towards their country. In India, these duties are enshrined in Part IV-A of the Constitution, under Article 51A. Originally, the Constitution of India did not contain these duties, but they were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
The original list comprised ten duties. An eleventh duty was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002. Here are the Fundamental Duties as listed in the Constitution of India:
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 endeavor and achievement.
Who is 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. (This was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002).
It's important to note that while these duties are fundamental in principle, they are non-justiciable in nature. This means that if a citizen violates these duties, they can't be penalized or taken to court based on that violation alone. However, Parliament can enforce them by suitable legislation.
