Fraternity

The ideals of justice, liberty and equality are relevant and meaningful only inasmuch as these promote a common feeling of brotherhood, of Indian fraternity, of being sons of some Mother India despite all the racial, linguistic, religious and other diversities of many sorts. Provisions relating to common citizenship are directed towards strengthening Indian fraternal feelings and building a strong Indian fellowship. The fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens without any discrimination and the Directive Principles directed at achieving social and economic equality are also designed to promote fraternity. The concept has been more specifically elaborated in the new Part IV A of the Constitution laying down the Fundamental Duties of the citizens. It cast a duty on every citizen inter alia to promote among all the people of India harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood and of belonging to one Indian family transcending all religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities. In fact, the concept of fraternity is far wider than the concept of secularism. It goes beyond separation of religion and politics, freedom of religion, equal respect for all religions etc. Unfortunately, not enough importance has been attached by the jurists and judges to this concept. Speaking on the need for the recognition of the principle of fraternity, Dr. Ambedkar remarked in the Constituent Assembly:

"What does fraternity mean? Fraternity means a sense of common brotherhood of all Indians –of Indians being one people. It is the principle which gives unity and solidarity to social life. It is a difficult thing to achieve."

There is also an international aspect of universal brotherhood, the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam- of the entire world being a family. This has been elaborated in Article 51 of the Constitution under the Directive Principles.