Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Oct 25: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said while the rights of a citizen are widely discussed today, comparatively less attention is paid to his duties and responsibilities. It is important to understand what our rights are, what our obligations entail and what our responsibilities as citizens are. He said that coming together to deliberate on an important subject such as 'Hum Bharat Ke Log, Hamara Dayitva' was a meaningful initiative. The ideas emerging from discussions at such events benefit future generations and guide them towards understanding their responsibilities to the country and the nation.
The Chief Minister was addressing the 33rd Annual Lecture-cum-Lokmanthan programme organised by the Panchnad Shodh Sansthan in Chandigarh on Sunday. The theme of the programme was 'Hum Bharat Ke Log, Hamara Dayitva'. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced a grant of ?11 lakh for the Panchnad Shodh Sansthan to support its research activities.
In his address, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that fundamental duties had been incorporated into the Constitution, but for a long time, rights received greater attention while duties were discussed less frequently. He expressed confidence that the ideas presented by the speakers at the programme would serve as guiding lights for future generations and show citizens the way towards fulfilling their responsibilities to the nation.
He said that the opening words of the Preamble to our Constitution are 'We, the People of India'. These words remind us that the people are the foundation of India's democratic system. The Constitution grants us rights and protects our freedom and dignity. At the same time, it expects us to fulfil our responsibilities towards the country, society and one another with complete dedication. Rights empower us, while duties give that power the right direction. Democracy becomes strong only when rights and duties go hand in hand.
The Chief Minister said that Article 51A of the Constitution lays down the fundamental duties of citizens. These include respecting the Constitution and its ideals, cherishing the values of the freedom struggle, protecting the unity and integrity of the country, promoting social harmony, respecting the dignity of women, and safeguarding our shared cultural heritage and nature. These are the values that unite society and help the nation move forward.
He said that the first expression of duty is respect for the Constitution and institutions. Indian democracy brings together diverse viewpoints, numerous languages, different traditions and many communities. Disagreement is a natural part of democracy. However, dialogue, decorum and respect for the law must be maintained even amid differences of opinion. Our views may differ, but our resolve in the national interest must remain united. |
