Our Duty Towards Solidarity, Coexistence and Scientific Temperament

Reflecting on Our Fundamental Duties This Republic Day

Newsreel Asia Insight #113
Jan. 26, 2024

On this Republic Day, let’s take a moment for introspection about our role as citizens. As per the Constitution of India, we are entrusted with certain Fundamental Duties. Among these, three duties – promoting brotherhood or solidarity, preserving our composite culture and developing a scientific temper and humanism – stand out for their relevance in today’s context. Let’s ask ourselves if we actively abide by these values in what we endorse, disseminate or tolerate?

Solidarity

Article 51A lists 11 Fundamental Duties. And it’s subsection (e) states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India “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.”

This duty calls for an active rejection of divisions on the lines of religion, language, or region. It’s a commitment to the idea of unity. In a time when differences are magnified, remembering this duty is crucial. It’s about seeing the other not as a stranger but as a part of the diverse yet unified mosaic that makes India. In the words of Rabindranath Tagore, “Unity in diversity is the basis of Indian culture.”

Nevertheless, we frequently encounter posts on social media designed to create divisions among fellow citizens. While such content might benefit certain politicians in their electoral pursuits, it undeniably inflicts harm on nearly all citizens by cultivating an environment that is detrimental to a liveable, secure and thriving society.

The phrase “renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women” implies a conscious decision to stop endorsing, supporting or engaging in actions, customs or behaviours that belittle, demean or devalue the honour or respect of girls and women. 

Despite this clear directive, numerous families still exhibit a preference for a boy over a girl child, many men persist in expecting dowries, and a significant number continue to impose standards on women that are not applied to men. These practices, deeply ingrained in some societal segments, reflect a contradiction between the constitutional mandate and the reality of everyday life.

Composite Culture

According to Article 51A(f), it is the duty of every citizen “to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.”

Composite culture refers to a culture that is formed by the blending and coexistence of diverse traditions, beliefs and practices from various ethnic, religious and social groups.

Our culture is a living, evolving phenomenon. To preserve it does not imply opposing change; rather, it involves embracing both the continuity and transformation that shape our cultural landscape.

Today, global or Western influences may not be so much of a threat as the chauvinistic imposition of a singular culture, which is reflected in our derogatory remarks about the food preferences, attire or harmless religious expressions of cultures, especially those of religious and ethnic minorities, that contribute the richness of our diverse traditions.

Scientific Temper

Article 51A(h) says it is the duty of every citizen “to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.”

Albert Einstein’s words, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind,” resonate profoundly with this duty. A scientific temper is not just about scientific knowledge or technological prowess; it’s about a way of thinking – questioning, rational, open-minded. Amid misinformation and superstition, this duty gains immense significance.

However, our capacity to fulfil this vital duty is rapidly diminishing. This decline is not solely due to the intimidation by certain politicians, but predominantly because various political agendas have co-opted ordinary citizens, who may resort to trolling or even physical aggression. While all citizens possess the freedom to embrace unscientific ideas, there equally exists the freedom for others to critique or challenge these notions.

Humanism, closely tied to this, is about recognising the dignity and worth of every individual. It’s about empathy, understanding and compassion. In a society as diverse as ours, humanism is the thread that can hold us together, ensuring that progress and development are inclusive and equitable.

Yet, we frequently fall short in speaking out against incidents, such as lynching or mob attacks, that strip fellow citizens of their dignity, particularly when the victims belong to a different community.

These duties provide a framework for us to ensure that our growth is inclusive, our society is cohesive and our approach to problems is rational and humane.