DU initiative to foster concept of duty in society

Commemorating 75 years of the Constitution of India, Delhi University (DU) has launched its flagship initiative, Kartavyam.  The year-long national programme is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the concept of Kartavya (duty) in a modern democratic society.

The programme was launched on Friday in collaboration with 16 universities across India and neighbouring nations to spark a nationwide civic and academic movement, a statement from DU said on Saturday.  A conclave was held to mark the occasion. Kartavyam, derived from the Sanskrit word for duty, is envisioned as a transformative platform to reinvigorate public discourse on the role of individual and collective responsibility in sustaining democratic institutions and social harmony.

Moving beyond the dominant focus on rights, the initiative seeks to promote civic consciousness and encourage ethical participation in the democratic process. Through lectures, dialogues, scholarly exchange, and community outreach, Kartavyam aims to cultivate a generation of citizens who are as mindful of their responsibilities as they are of their entitlements.

The inaugural conclave was graced by two distinguished jurists: Justice P. S. Narasimha, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and an alumnus of Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, who served as the Chief Guest, and R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India being the Guest of Honor.

In his keynote address, Justice Narasimha reflected on the intrinsic link between rights and Kartavya(Duty), noting that in many aspects of life, one naturally flows from the other. He emphasized the need to nurture civic awareness, particularly among students, to build a society grounded in constitutional morality. Quoting B R Ambedkar, principal architect of the Indian Constitution, he highlighted the vision of an “associated way of living” that promotes mutual respect and collective growth.

Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani delivered an insightful address on the cultural evolution of public responsibility in democratic societies. He called for a paradigm shift in civic thinking- one that harmonizes the assertion of rights with a renewed sense of shared kartavya(Duty). “Such a shift,” he said, “must draw strength from a deeper faith in constitutional values, interpreted not through a narrow lens but through an inclusive and forward-looking perspective.” The conclave was attended by senior academic leadership, including Prof. Prakash Singh, Director, South Campus, University of Delhi; Prof. Anju Vali Tikoo, Dean, Faculty of Law. Professor Alka Chawla, Professor-in-Charge of Campus Law Centre and the Programme Director of Kartavyam Dr. Seema Singh all of whom affirmed their commitment to the long-term vision of Kartavyam.