Ambit of fraternity and wages of oblivion

Source– The post is based on the article “Ambit of fraternity and wages of oblivion” published in The Hindu on 22th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- Indian constitution

News– The article explains the idea of fraternity in India. It also talks about our track record in promoting this ideal.

What is fraternity?

The idea of fraternity is based on the view that people have responsibilities to each other. It was defined after the French Revolution in the saying ‘Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you’.

However, the definition is still vague and idea of fraternity is not clearly understood. It is generally seen as an emotion rather than a principle.

What is the idea of fraternity provided by the Indian constitution?

According to Ambedkar, the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are not to be treated as separate items. They form a union of trinity in the sense that to divorce one from the other is to defeat the very purpose of democracy.

The practical shape to the ideals was introduced by the 42nd constitutional amendment act. It introduced fundamental duties. Article 51A(e) says that it is the duty of every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood.

Responsibility for bringing these ideal lies with individuals and not with the State.

According to the Preamble of India, dignity of individual and unity of nation both necessitate fraternity.

What are different shapes of inequality?

It takes different forms. One. On the one hand, there is economic inequality. On the other hand, there is religious, social, and regional inequality.

What were the concerns of our founding fathers?

Primary concerns of our constitution makers were related to integration of units that formed the Indian Republic.

B.R. Ambedkar talks about conditions that are necessary for a successful Working Democracy. These are absence of glaring inequalities; presence of an opposition; equality of law and administration; observance of constitutional morality; avoidance of tyranny of majority over minority; a functioning of moral order in society, and public conscience.

What are the issues that need introspection?

There is evidence of regional diversity, assertion of linguistic identity and emergence of diverging political orientations.

The role of social and political leaders in promoting fraternity has been dismal.