Question

Here are some everyday situations for reflection. Which right or duty is involved?

• Ravi decides not to join a protest march at school because he disagrees with it. Some classmates say they will exclude him from their group unless he joins.
• On School Culture Day, Rukmini wants to wear her family’s traditional dress from her village. Some students laugh at her and say she should wear ‘modern’ clothes instead.
• During the recess, some children were throwing chocolate wrappers on the playground, instead of the dustbin. The teacher then reminds them to keep their surroundings clean.
• In a mock youth parliament activity, students use a voting app to share their ideas for improving school facilities. Even those who live in remote areas are able to join in the discussion online.

Can we demand rights without doing our duties?

Answer 1

Situation 1: Ravi and the Protest March

Ravi is exercising his right to freedom of speech and expression by taking part in a peaceful protest. At the same time, he has a duty to respect the opinions and rights of others. His classmates should not threaten to exclude or punish him simply because they disagree with his views. Everyone should be free to express their opinions peacefully and respectfully.

Situation 2: Rukmini’s Traditional Dress

Rukmini has the right to preserve and express her culture and traditions. Wearing traditional clothing is a way of expressing her cultural identity. Other students have a duty to respect diversity and promote harmony. Laughing at or making fun of Rukmini is disrespectful and can hurt her feelings.

Situation 3: Throwing Wrappers on the Playground

Throwing wrappers on the playground is irresponsible because it makes the surroundings dirty and harms the environment. Every citizen has a duty to protect and improve the environment and keep public places clean. We should put waste in proper bins and encourage others to do the same.

Situation 4: Youth Parliament and Voting App

The Youth Parliament activity gives students an opportunity to participate in decision-making and express their opinions. Students also have a duty to use technology responsibly. They should use the voting app honestly, respect different opinions, and avoid misusing technology.

Demand Rights Without Doing Our Duties

• No, rights and duties are closely connected. We should not expect to enjoy our rights while ignoring our responsibilities towards others and society. Rights give us freedoms and opportunities, while duties remind us to use those freedoms responsibly.
• For example, we may have the right to a clean and healthy environment, but we also have a duty to avoid littering, reduce pollution, and keep our surroundings clean. Similarly, while we have the right to express our opinions, we must respect the opinions and dignity of others.