Fundamental Duties – Chambers of Surjendu Sankar Das

Fundamental duties were initially not there in the Constitution. They were added through the 42^nd Constitutional Amendment 1976. They are mentioned under Article 51A (Part IV-A) of the Constitution. They serve as a reminder to the citizens of India that while enjoying their rights they owe certain duties as well towards the society and other fellow beings. There are 11 fundamental duties which are as follows –

To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideal and institutions;
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;
To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife;
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 endeavour and achievement.
Further, one more fundamental duty has been added to the Indian Constitution by 86^th Amendment of the Constitution in 2002. 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.