Good citizens are the greatest asset of any country. Most of us display an attitude of indifference, towards our responsibilities resulting in damage to the environment, loss of public property, etc. Write an article in 125-150 words on: ‘Responsibilities of a Good Citizen’. You are Gopal/Gopika.
Ans. Rights vs Responsibilities A Moral Conflict
by Gopal
The preamble to the Constitution of India talks about the rights and duties of a citizen. We often hear about them in the global and national context but the value of certain human rights seems self-evident the right of people not to be tortured or abused, freedom of speech, the right to live peacefully, etc. But what happens where perceived rights conflict with one another? On a closer look, we realize that others’ rights are our responsibility. But the question’ which arises out of the conflict’ is that if human rights are to equip people that they need to live life with security and dignity, then is the obsession with these rights also creating responsible citizens?
There are lonely voices, like Anna Hazare, who take on them the responsibility to fight for a cause and not count the cost. In the modern world, many people lead a more responsible life. It is needless to say that the people are the ones who create a nation and they form the treasury of human resource. A law-abiding and peace-loving citizen who contributes to the economy, socio-political and culture is an asset to the country.
To be a good citizen, one needs to follow the law of the land and adhere to the regulations that govern one’s conduct in society. A productive citizen must engage in employment and contribute to the economy of the country and also realize his responsibility towards the fellow underprivileged members of the community. A good citizen must take part in programmes like `Swach Bharat’ and keep his country clean as it is not only the responsibility of the people to live in a clean environment but also a right of the people. The most import role that a citizen plays in creating a nation is by exercising his right to vote and choosing his own government. It is needless to say that voting is not just a right but a responsibility that every citizen has in helping to create a better nation for themselves.
The conflict of right and responsibility is as old as the hills but the concept of treating other’s right as our responsibility is progressive and forward-looking. It is rightly said that a good citizen is not only the one who is fully aware of his rights but also one who understands his responsibilities in serving the nation for a greater cause. It is the amalgamation of rights and responsibilities that create a morally just nation and as Holmes said, “Your freedom to move your hand ends where my nose begins.”
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