What are fundamental duties?

Fundamental Duties are a set of moral and civic responsibilities that are enshrined in Part IV-A of the Constitution of India. These duties were added to the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. The inclusion of Fundamental Duties was inspired by the idea that citizens should not only be aware of their rights but also be conscious of their duties towards the nation and society. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there are 11 Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution. These duties are not justiciable, meaning that they are not enforceable by law through the courts. However, they are considered a guide for the citizens to promote a sense of discipline, responsibility, and patriotism. Here are the Fundamental Duties: 1. **To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem. 2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom. 3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. 4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so. 5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. 6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our 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 the 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 endeavor and achievement. 11. To provide opportunities for education to the child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years. It's important to note that while Fundamental Duties are not legally enforceable, they play a significant role in shaping the ethical and moral values of citizens and contribute to the overall well-being of society. The government encourages awareness and adherence to these duties through educational programs and public awareness campaigns.