Page 97 - Constitution

70 Years of Indian

Constitution

Since the days of Mahabharat, Indian soldiers have actively supported democratic free and fair elections
have sometimes fought for causes, which they without interference in the electoral process. Sometimes,
did not even believe in, but did so because when required in disturbed states, they have ensured a

of their ‘duty’ and ‘oath’. It was the concept of conducive and peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of
‘Naam – Namak – Nishan: Be honourable, true polls.
to your salt, and uphold the Flag’ The Preamble: Ethos of Unity, Diversity and Integrity

The values expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution
President of the Union of India, and the commands of any
are sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy,
officer set over even to the peril of my life.”
republican character, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity,
In the armed forces, the tradition of an oath is considered
human dignity and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
sacred. It is the bedrock of true military profession which
The Constitution promotes national concept of unity and
perhaps differentiates it from most other professions.
diversity. Of that, there is no better example than the
Since the days of Mahabharat, Indian soldiers have
armed forces. In armed forces, soldiers of all classes,
sometimes fought for causes, which they did not even
creeds and religions serve the nation loyally, effectively,
believe in, but did so because of their ‘duty’ and ‘oath’.
with total dedication. They live together in barracks, eat
It was the concept of ‘Naam – Namak – Nishan: Be
from the same kitchens, speak the same language and
honourable, true to your salt, and uphold the Flag’. It
observe each other’s religious festivals in total harmony.
was this concept, which made people like Bhishma and
Dronacharya fight under the Kaurav flag in Mahabharat.
Article 51: Fundamental Duties
The same concept and tradition was followed during the
Article 51A of the Constitution lays down the duty of
British rule. As mentioned earlier, that oath today is to the
every citizen of India to:
Constitution of India.
n Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity
Because of such an ethos and tradition, an important
of India;
legacy of the armed forces has been their apolitical
outlook. The soldiers’ oath is to the Constitution and to n Defend the country and render national service when
the constitutionally elected Central Government. The called upon to do so;
outlook and direction of the political parties, or their hue n Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood
and colour, do not concern them. That is why our armed amongst all the people of India transcending religious,

forces, unlike those of several neighbouring countries, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to
have stuck to the concept of loyalty to the constitutionally renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
elected government and thus enabled the nation to
n Value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite
develop its unique democratic political ambience. They

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