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5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people
of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to
renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and

wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.
8. To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.

10. 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.

11. Every citizen who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to
his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years (This duty was added
by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002).

Conclusion

Fundamental Duties are moral obligations on the citizens of the country. They are non-
enforceable in nature, but should be fulfilled at one’s own will. They help promote a spirit

of patriotism and uphold the unity of India. They obligate all citizens to respect the national
symbols of India, including the Constitution; to cherish its heritage; preserve its culture;
promote the spirit of common brotherhood; protect the environment and public property;

develop scientific temper; abjure violence; and strive towards excellence in all spheres of
life.

Book Recommendation

‘Being an Indian Citizen: A Guide to Our
Fundamental Duties’ by Prashant Solomon

Most people keep talking about their Fundamental Rights, but
what about our Fundamental Duties? This is a book by an Indian

citizen that is a guide to what it means to be a dutiful citizen
of India. How many Indians know the meaning of the National
Anthem? How many know the correct way to display the Indian

flag? This book informs you about those and other aspects of
Article 51A of the Indian Constitution-Fundamental Duties. It

also includes the Flag Code of India, the English translation of
India’s National Anthem, and Gandhiji’s Talisman.

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