Right is Duty Well Performed | 10 Jan 2025

People Tend to Forget Their Duties but Remember Their Rights. 

— Indira Gandhi

Rights and duties are often viewed as two sides of the same coin; one cannot exist without the other. This principle signifies a profound interdependence, where the exercise of one’s rights is intrinsically linked to the fulfillment of one’s duties. Philosophically, this relationship underscores the moral responsibility of individuals to act not only in their own interest but also in the interest of society at large.

Socially, it highlights the importance of collective harmony, where the rights of one individual are balanced by the duties of others to respect and protect those rights. Legally, the interconnection between rights and duties ensures that the legal framework of a nation is both equitable and functional, creating a system where entitlements are matched by obligations. 

The nation’s socio-political fabric, woven through centuries of historical evolution, demands a delicate balance between individual freedoms and collective responsibilities. By upholding this balance, nations of the world can navigate its challenges and strive towards inclusive growth and national cohesion. 

India’s ancient ethos and cultural heritage have always emphasized the primacy of duties over rights. The Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient scriptures are replete with references to Dharma (duty) as the cornerstone of societal harmony. The Bhagavad Gita, for instance, extols the performance of one’s duty without attachment to the fruits of action. This philosophy is fundamentally different from the Western liberal tradition, which often prioritizes individual rights over communal obligations. 

During India’s struggle for independence, the idea of balancing rights and duties found significant expression. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the importance of duties in the quest for Swaraj (self-rule). Gandhi believed that rights flowed naturally from the conscientious performance of duties. For instance, the duty to resist injustice would earn the right to freedom. This perspective shaped India’s post-independence approach to rights and duties. 

The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, is a remarkable document that guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens while simultaneously acknowledging the importance of fundamental duties. Part III of the Constitution enumerates fundamental rights, such as the right to equality, freedom, and life with dignity. These rights aim to protect individuals from state overreach and ensure a just and equitable society. 

However, the framers of the Constitution also recognized the necessity of duties in maintaining social harmony. Fundamental Duties were later incorporated into the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment, 1976, under Article 51A. These duties include respect for the Constitution, cherishing the nation’s heritage, protecting the environment, and promoting scientific temper. Though non-justiciable, these duties serve as moral obligations for citizens, reinforcing the idea that rights and duties are interdependent. 

India faces numerous challenges in balancing rights and duties. While the Constitution guarantees a wide array of rights, the effective realization of these rights often depends on the collective performance of duties. Unfortunately, a sense of entitlement to rights without corresponding responsibilities has led to several societal and governance issues. 

Environmental rights, such as the right to a clean and healthy environment, are undermined when citizens neglect their duty to protect and preserve nature. Rampant deforestation, pollution, and unchecked industrialization exemplify how neglecting environmental duties can erode fundamental rights. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) serves as a practical reminder of how collective action, rooted in the sense of duty, can significantly improve environmental outcomes. 

India’s judiciary is burdened with a staggering number of pending cases, often arising from frivolous litigation or an over-reliance on courts to enforce rights. This indicates a lack of adherence to civic duties, such as resolving disputes amicably or respecting the rule of law. Strengthening civic responsibility can reduce the judicial burden and ensure timely justice. 

While the right to equality is enshrined in the Constitution, entrenched social hierarchies and discrimination continue to persist. Bridging this gap requires citizens to actively perform their duties, such as promoting fraternity and ensuring dignity for all individuals. Social reform movements, inspired by leaders like B.R. Ambedkar, emphasizes the transformative potential of fulfilling communal duties. 

The realization of rights is often contingent upon the diligent performance of duties. Several examples illustrate this interplay in the Indian context. The Right to Education Act, 2009 guarantees free and compulsory education for children. However, ensuring quality education requires parents to fulfill their duty of sending children to school and supporting their learning. Teachers and administrators must also perform their duties conscientiously to create an effective educational environment. 

The right to vote is a cornerstone of Indian democracy. However, its meaningful exercise depends on the duty of citizens to participate in elections responsibly, make informed choices, and engage in public discourse. 

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interdependence of rights and duties. While citizens demanded access to healthcare, it was equally important for them to adhere to public health guidelines, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Neglecting these duties jeopardized collective rights to health and safety. 

The state plays a crucial role in fostering a culture that balances rights and duties. Through laws, policies, and public awareness campaigns, the government can encourage citizens to recognize their responsibilities. Initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao emphasize both rights (access to technology, economic opportunities, and gender equality) and duties (digital literacy, entrepreneurial spirit, and gender sensitization). 

However, governance challenges, such as corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability, can undermine this balance. When public officials fail to perform their duties, citizens’ rights are inevitably compromised. For instance, the right to food security is contingent on the efficient functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS). Ensuring accountability in governance is, therefore, essential for upholding the principle that “right is duty well performed.” 

India’s social landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by urbanization, technological advancements, and changing cultural norms. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for balancing rights and duties. For example: Rapid urbanization necessitates collective adherence to civic duties, such as waste management and traffic discipline, to safeguard the right to a livable urban environment. 

The proliferation of digital technologies has expanded rights, such as freedom of expression and access to information. However, it also demands new duties, such as responsible use of social media and safeguarding online privacy. 

The principle that “right is duty well performed” is both an ideal and a practical necessity. Rights and duties support each other, and neglecting one weakens the other. Embracing this principle can help tackle societal challenges, uphold constitutional values, and create a harmonious, fair, and sustainable future. Achieving this vision needs collective effort, guided by the wisdom of duty-consciousness and the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

A Duty Well Performed Creates A Corresponding Right. 

— Mahatma Gandhi