Chandigarh, October 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.
The Chief Minister said that another important responsibility was to strengthen brotherhood and mutual respect in society. No person is superior or inferior on the basis of language, caste, religion, region or economic status. The country's diversity is its identity. Therefore, whenever we meet a person belonging to any religion, caste, region or linguistic community, our first thought should be that the person is an Indian and our own brother or sister. When this sentiment takes root among all citizens, India will become an immense force.
He said that this attitude would automatically eliminate many social disparities. Every daughter would then receive respect and security, the elderly would be treated with dignity, disadvantaged people would receive opportunities, and every citizen would feel that the country belonged to them and that they were an equal stakeholder in its future.
*Prime Minister’s call for participation in the journey towards Viksit Bharat*
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had called upon young people, universities and institutions to participate in the journey towards a Viksit Bharat. The Prime Minister's vision of collective participation by 1.4 billion citizens conveys the message that every citizen has an important role to play in the country's progress. Haryana, too, is an important participant in this collective endeavour.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that when every citizen begins to believe and say, ‘I too have a contribution to make to the nation’, no one can stop India's progress. He appealed to citizens to remain conscious of their rights while also resolving to discharge their duties with complete dedication and ensure their active participation in nation-building.
*Contribution of Haryana's soldiers, farmers and sportspersons*
The Chief Minister highlighted the contributions of Haryana's soldiers, farmers and sportspersons. He said that the state's soldiers play an important role in defending the country, its farmers contribute to filling the nation's food grain reserves, and its sportspersons bring glory to the country through their achievements.
He also referred to the progress being made in industries and various other sectors in Haryana and outlined the changes and development brought about through the efforts of the state government.
The Chief Minister mentioned the employment arrangements made by the Haryana Government for Agniveers and explained the provision for offering them opportunities in government jobs in the state. He said that officials had been directed to issue joining letters to Agniveers as soon as the first batch arrives.
He also spoke about the scheme implemented by the Haryana Government to promote natural farming.
*Highlights ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign*
Referring to the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had launched the campaign from Haryana, giving a new direction to efforts aimed at improving the status of girls.
He emphasised the importance of girls' education, dignity and progress, stating that providing daughters with opportunities to advance and encouraging their talent was everyone's responsibility. Today, girls are demonstrating their abilities in defence, sports and several other fields.
*Citizens' duties will strengthen society and the nation*
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had particularly called upon young people, universities and institutions to participate in the journey towards a Developed India. The Prime Minister had also linked water conservation, reducing electricity consumption, cleanliness, skill development and civic responsibility with the efforts to build a Developed India.
The message, he said, was clear: the country progresses when citizens fulfil their responsibilities in their respective roles. This principle of Sabka Prayas—collective effort—is the fundamental basis of the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India.
He also stressed the need to exercise responsibility while sharing information on digital platforms. Citizens must verify the authenticity of information before forwarding it to prevent the spread of confusion caused by unverified claims.
The Chief Minister said that every individual could fulfil their responsibilities towards the country and society through small efforts in daily life. When citizens understand and discharge their duties, society and future generations benefit.
He said that there was no need to wait for a major occasion to fulfil one's responsibilities towards the nation. Small actions in everyday life, such as honesty, discipline, cooperation, environmental sensitivity and social harmony, were equally important for the country. Only when citizens make their duties an integral part of their lives can the country and society continue to progress.
Among those present at the programme were Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and organiser of the event; Prof. Brij Kishore Kuthiala, President of the Panchnad Shodh Sansthan; Dr. Jagbir Singh, Executive President; Sh. Bhola Ram Gurjar, Director; Sh. Vikram Arora; and Dr. Raj Nehru, OSD to the Chief Minister and Director General of the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, along with other distinguished guests.