Education between ages of 6 to 14 has now been declared a Fundamental Right in India. It is interesting that the very same is already included as a “fundamental duty” of parents in an amendment made in 2002.
Somehow I do not remember being taught any “Fundamental Duties” in school! But they are there anyway in Section 51A of the Indian Constitution.
This section on Fundamental Duties is well worth going through. (Maybe I missed the lesson in school – if you already know them, please forgive my ignorance!) They are poetic, inspiring, broad in scope and insight. I was particularly touched by four of the last five duties, which go beyond the expected patriotic and civic responsibilities. These are (I quote):It shall be the duty of every citizen of India -
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(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
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(j) 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;
(k) who is a parent or guardian, to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
Amazing… having read these, I felt truly fortunate to live in a country where caring for the environment, scientific temper and spirit of inquiry, excellence in one’s own sphere of activity and educating our children are declared as fundamental duties of every citizen !!