Civic Duties

CIVIC DUTIES

They form a set of “do’s” and “donts” which are conveniently ignored by a majority of citizens. The attitude is a result of the current generation never being exposed to captivity and bonding. They have over the years breathed the free air and thoroughly exploited the privileged rights delineated by the Constitution. The efforts required to turn overleaf and understand the basic and the simplest of duties, were never put in.

At this juncture, when the lapses of the Government, breakdown in Parliamentary and Constitutional machinery are so evident and coming to the forefront, its easy to realize that youth awakening is the need of the hour. As citizens of the nation, as members of a Constituency ( assuming that many of us have bothered to get ourselves enrolled and are going to exercise the less exploited “Right to Vote” ) , it is duty to repay the society which allows us to live freely ( though not securely, kindly forgive me for the pun ). Now, there is no need brooding over security lapses which are inevitable in a country which houses a substantial fraction of the world population.

“Easy” Steps that we can take for the betterment of a Nation, so worthy of our love and concern, are enlisted below:

• The most important one, forgive the Government. Stop cribbing about its policies, price-hikes, politics, etc.
• Voice your opinion and make sure you are heard. The media is at your disposal – press, radio, the blogosphere and Viewspaper ofcourse!
• Vote for the impending elections. Atleast get your documents ready to procure your voter-identity card; so that you don’t miss out on voting for the elections henceforth.
• The next time you see over-zealous / jilted lovers painting the walls with their love in vermilion red ( scribbling heart shapes with arrows to depict pain), kindly stop them. Request them to exhibit their art-work in their homes, so that even their parents get to know of the same! Let your city walls and city-transport look clean and enviable.
• Be a diligent traveler. If you find anything suspicious about a fellow passenger, do inform the security personnel. The helpline numbers are on display in most of the public places.
• Take the efforts to register police helpline numbers in your phonebook.
• The government has empowered you to stop a fellow from spitting or littering on roads. P.S. This stunt to be performed only if the fellow in question is not more that three times your size and you are not held off-guard!


The next set comprise of “duties” which can be graded as moderate on a scale of difficulty.

• Casting your vote doesn’t serve your purpose completely. Pat your back for realising the importance of voting. But now its time to pass on this realization and create awareness. Spread the word of “duty” by joining public rallies and online forums.
• As an educated individual, understand the importance of learning. Be a part of community service programmes undertaken by various Non-Governmental Organizations. They train college students to take lessons in BMC Schools.
• Donate blood and save lives. Blood donation can be done by a healthy individual over 18 years of age, once in every three months. The Government recognizes this noble action of yours and certifies you for the same.
• Take tuition classes for your maid’s child. Donate books, clothes and toys to the underprivileged children of the society.
• Close that tap when you are done with brushing your teeth. Switch OFF the lights when not in use. It is not that difficult! Just realize the need to contribute to power saving when we are facing a crisis in the supply of the same.


Having successfully performed the above set of duties, it will be easy for you to execute these most arduous tasks.
• Respect every fellow being in the society, be gentle person in the truest sense. But do raise your voice against violence and injustice.
• Help your needy neighbour.
• In this world ravaged by war, hold out your hand to embrace the philosophy of brotherhood and fraternity.
• Practice the religion of Humanity; and I assure you that the world will be a better place to live in!

If the above duties are thoroughly performed by majority of the youth today, we will realize that we are a part of an alert and responsible township. Taking the strings of the governing system in your able hands is the next best step to be taken.
The list of duties is amended greatly to answer the hour’s calling.

Dear Citizen,

Perform these simple duties.
Be a part of the Renaissance.
The Nation beckons you……