From the Republic to the Public

Wikipedia describes “Republic” as a form of government in which the power is held by the people and the representatives they elect. India celebrates its republic day today, on the date when the Constitution of India came into effect. 26^th January was chosen due to the historical significance of the date.

It was on the 26^th of January in 1930 that the Purna Swaraj declaration was passed by INC. Total Independence and nothing short was the goal adopted. It further took 17 years of sweat, blood and tears to achieve this goal. This date was observed as the Independence Day before the British finally withdrew and we got official independence on 15^th August 1947.

Though the constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26^th November 1949, in respect of the sacrifice of those who contributed to our Independence movement, 26^th January was chosen for the constitution to come into effect. Thus, on the 26th of January 1950, India became a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”*

Something that I hold very dear to my heart is the bill of rights that is granted to all Indians by the constitution. For many, Fundamental Rights unfortunately has just become a chapter that was studied in social science as kids and then forgotten. It pains me to see these rights being blatantly violated. On the occasion of our Republic day, let’s refresh our knowledge on this aspect of our constitution.

The constitution of India awards all Indian citizens seven basic human rights. ^#

Right to Equality

Equality before law. Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, gender or place of birth. Equality of opportunity in employment. Abolition of untouchability.

Right to Freedom

Freedom of speech and expression. Freedom of assembly, association, movement, residence and occupation.

Right against Exploitation

Prohibition of forced labour, child labour and human trafficking.

Right to Freedom of Religion

Freedom to practice & propagate of religion of one’s choice.

Cultural & Educational Rights

Right of all sections of citizens to conserve their culture, language & script.

Right to constitutional Remedies

Empowerment of the citizens to move to court of law in case of denial or violation of fundamental rights

Right to Education**

Right of every child between 6 and 14 for free and compulsory education.

While we enjoy constitutional protection for our basic human rights, we need to remember that as Indian citizens, we also have some duties towards our homeland. The constitution lists eleven Fundamental Duties*.

• 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 wild life, 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 endeavour and achievement;
• To provide opportunities for education by the parent the guardian, to his child, or a ward between the ages of 6-14 years as the case may be.**

Today, on the 26^th of January 2014, let us take a pledge to work ceaselessly to uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens. Let not waste the sacrifice and toil of the many due to which we enjoy this basic human rights.

Wishing all a Happy Republic Day!!!

*The 42^nd Amendment passed in 1976 changed this and India is now a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”. This amendment also added the fundamental duties of the citizens to the constitution.

^# Right to Property was one of the fundamental rights that was original provided by the constitution. However the 44^th amendment passed in 1978 deleted this as a fundamental right.

** "The Children's Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act” was passed in August 2009 and Right to Education was added as a fundamental right when the law came into effect on April 2010. This was also added to the fundamental duties.