Context:
In calling for a social and not merely political democracy to emerge from the Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar stressed fraternity as the second major ingredient after equality.
Answer:
Fraternity, as enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, signifies a sense of common brotherhood and solidarity among citizens, transcending divisions of caste, religion, language, or region. It is the moral fabric that binds liberty and equality, ensuring that these ideals coexist harmoniously within a pluralistic society like India. B.R. Ambedkar envisioned fraternity as essential for achieving not just political democracy but also social and economic democracy.
Constitutional Provisions on Fraternity:
- Preamble: The Preamble explicitly mentions fraternity, aiming to “assure the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.”
- It reflects the commitment to build a cohesive society where differences do not undermine unity.
- Fundamental Rights (Articles 14–18): These provisions ensure equality before the law and prohibit discrimination, reinforcing the idea of fraternity by safeguarding individual dignity.
- Article 17 abolishes untouchability, promoting social solidarity.
- Directive Principles of State Policy: especially Articles 38, 39A guide the state to ensure socio-economic justice and reduce inequalities, nurturing fraternity through equitable development.
- Welfare schemes like MGNREGA promote inclusivity in economic participation.
- Fundamental Duties (Article 51A): It mandates citizens to promote harmony and uphold the spirit of common brotherhood among all Indians.
- Efforts to celebrate national integration during events like the National Unity Day (October 31).
Constitutional Significance of Fraternity in India:
- Strengthening National Integration: Fraternity counters divisive forces and promotes unity, especially in a country marked by diverse cultures and languages.
- National festivals like Republic Day and Independence Day foster a collective identity.
- Balancing Liberty and Equality: Fraternity ensures that liberty does not breed individualism and that equality does not erode personal freedoms.
- Affirmative action (reservations) balances opportunities without undermining broader societal harmony.
- Countering Social Hierarchies: It helps dismantle entrenched inequalities like caste and gender discrimination.
- Campaigns like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” promote gender inclusivity.
- Promoting Economic Justice: Fraternity fosters a spirit of shared responsibility, encouraging wealth redistribution for the upliftment of marginalised communities.
- CSR initiatives mandated under the Companies Act, 2013.
- Cultural and Religious Pluralism: Fraternity celebrates India’s diversity, ensuring peaceful coexistence.
Role of Fraternity in Fostering National Unity:
- Mitigating Regional and Linguistic Divides: Fraternity reduces tensions arising from regional aspirations or linguistic differences.
- The linguistic reorganisation of states in 1956 strengthened unity without compromising diversity.
- Ensuring Communal Harmony: It bridges gaps among different religious communities.
- Efforts by civil society groups during communal disturbances, such as the Delhi Riots of 2020, to rebuild trust.
- Strengthening Democracy: A fraternal spirit ensures constructive dialogue and reduces polarisation in political discourse.
- Vibrant grassroots movements and Panchayati Raj Institutions promote participative governance.
- Countering Casteism and Patriarchy: It fosters a more egalitarian social order by challenging entrenched hierarchies.
- Social reform movements like those led by B.R. Ambedkar and Jyotiba Phule.
- Uniting Against Common Challenges: Fraternity encourages collective action on national issues like climate change and public health crises.
- The nationwide solidarity witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic through community initiatives.
Fraternity, as the cohesive force binding liberty and equality, remains indispensable for sustaining India’s unity in diversity. By nurturing this ideal through education, inclusive policies, and active citizenship, India can fulfil the constitutional vision of building a just, equitable, and harmonious society.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
According to Dr. B. R Ambedkar – Liberty, equality and fraternity were all intertwined and could not flourish independently of one another. “Without equality and fraternity, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many. Equality without liberty would kill individual initiative. Without fraternity, liberty and equality could not become a natural course of things. It would require a constable to enforce them.”
