*The views expressed in the blog are those of the author.

Our country is going to commemorate its 75^th years of independence in the year 2021. No doubt it would be an illustrious moment for 135 crore Indians. We all would be feeling jubilant for it. But at times we need to introspect that what we have done for our country in our lifetime. Would it be a really proud moment for us? What is our contribution for the nation and society? Are there no problems in our country? Would our country be a developed nation or super power as visioned by Dr.A.P.J Abdul kalam? Rightly he has advocated that it should be the dream of all the citizens to see India as a developed country.

Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. One does not exist without the other ……………

The primary difference between our rights and duties is that right is based on privilege granted to us, whereas duty is based on accountability of performing that duty by us. We all are enjoying our primordialrights given by the constitution of this country. Sometimes we demand for more other than our fundamental rights. But what about our duties? Is it only obeying rules, paying taxes, attending school, participating in government or respecting others and few other points? Are our duties only constricted to these questions? :“Have I done something as my duty or left it for others on the pretext ofthat no’it’s not my duty and responsibility?”It’s the responsibility of defence people or political leaders, bureaucrats or somebody else. Aren’t we suffering from the habit passing the buck or blame game? Let’s stop this excuse of saying I am a common man; I am not a billionaire and I don’t have much scope to do for the society and country. We always do compare and whine about our own rights? Think of those countries who got independence after us and now far better than us. How did those countries come to this level? Was it everyone’s involvement or one-sided effort? This blame game must be stopped, and collective responsibility should be taken up.

The Existence of rights is based on the existence of its duty.

Perhaps a broader meaning of duty is required to be understood. Duty doesn’t mean only to die on the border, donating money for charity or to be political leader.

The greatest thing that I can do for the society is to maintain the communal harmony. We need to make our surrounding exquisite. We don’t have to join an NGO to help the poor. There are other ways to do it. A differently abled person can be helped, food can be given to the destitute, celebrate one of your birthday in an old age home, donate some clothes to the deprived poors, take the promise of planting few trees every year, save water and electricity as much you can and the list is endless. Let’s stop this habit of destroying the public property and troubling others in the name of protest.

Rightly Said

“Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves ………..”

By: Dinakrushna Mishra

(HOD) English

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