Your Rights & Responsibilities As a Young Citizen

posted on Dec 04, 2023

Gurukul The School, one of the top 5 schools in Ghaziabad, have always believed that young citizens are not mere knowledge recipients but harbingers of change.

Every stage of our life is unique and brings forth newer learning opportunities. The initial years focus on developing a strong foundation for individuals, whereas adulthood is about exploring, experimenting, and growing using the foundational knowledge. While both are crucial life stages, today, through this blog post, we at Gurukul The School, positioned among the top 5 schools in Ghaziabad, would like to draw your attention to the transitioning phase, i.e., adolescence, as it significantly shapes a person’s civic identity.

We believe today’s young citizens are not mere spectators but active architects of meaningful change. However, we cannot ignore the fact that they can only bring about the required improvements when they know their rights and responsibilities. So, if you’re a young citizen of this country, you must know that exploring your rights and responsibilities is not just imperative for you but is also the key to bring about a significant change in society.

Explore Your Fundamental Rights        

The Indian government has given various rights to its citizens that aren’t exclusive to grown-up adults. While young citizens have multiple rights, everyone must know the following five:

1. Right to Education

Every young citizen has the right to receive quality education, which is the cornerstone of empowerment. After all, education is not a privilege but a powerful tool that shapes societal and personal growth. So, leverage this right to learn, grow, and evolve into your best version.

2. Freedom of Expression

A misconception some individuals have about the freedom of expression is that it only applies to adults. Since our democracy thrives on the diversity of voices, young citizens have the right to express their opinions and make their voices heard freely, too!

We at Gurukul The School encourage our students to exercise this right while respecting different viewpoints to foster healthy debates rather than discords.

3. Right to Information

Being informed is a superpower available to all. As young citizens of this nation, you have every right to seek transparency from authorities and use the information to become active participants in the governance process. You can gather in-depth knowledge about this right by reading the full Right to Information Act.  

4. Right to Equality

The constitution guarantees equality to everyone, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, etc. This fundamental right was drafted and passed to embrace diversity and appreciate differences. It significantly contributes to a society that values every individual equally.  

5. Right to Participate

All young citizens have the right to participate in democratic processes. This means that even if you’ve not attained the voting age yet, your contribution and active participation in community services, civic activities, awareness programs, etc., can still make a significant impact.  

Understand Your Responsibilities

We hope you are now aware of the rights granted by our constitution to you as the young citizens of the country. However, before you begin to enjoy them, do not forget to understand your responsibilities. To make sure that each of our budding geniuses grows into responsible citizens of the nation, we have listed below the top responsibilities every young citizen must follow:

1. Respect for Others

We at Gurukul The School firmly believe that freedom and rights also bring responsibilities. As a responsible young citizen of this nation, you must treat everyone respectfully. Be it your teachers, other school staff, neighbors, or acquaintances, you must respect everyone and cultivate an environment driven by mutual understanding and cooperation.

2. Digital Citizenship

We live in a digital age where our online presence acts as our extended virtual identity. Here, we would like to emphasize that as young citizens of our country, you are tasked to use social media responsibly, respect internet users’ privacy, and promote positivity. You should stay away from indulging in instances like cyberbullying, spreading misinformation, etc., as these acts can have dire real-world consequences.

3. Community Service

One of the best ways to foster a sense of responsibility toward society is by actively engaging in community services. Look for volunteering activities where you can use your time, skills, knowledge, and effort to uplift those in need. This small change can bring a massive positive shift in our society.

4. Environmental Responsibility

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, taking responsibility for own ecological footprint can be a significant contribution to this planet. Young citizens should exercise responsibility and practice sustainability. Acts promoting resource conservation and advocacy for a greener planet are also recommended.

5. Civic Participation

It is important that as someone who’s looked up to as the nation builders of tomorrow, you stay informed of current affairs and local issues so that you can participate in civic matters proactively. From attending town hall meetings to participating in local discussions, you must do it all. As a responsible young citizen of our country, you must understand that their voice matters and their involvement in civic activities can shape the country’s future. 

Conclusion

We at Gurukul The School, one of the top schools in Ghaziabad, have always believed that young citizens are not mere knowledge recipients but harbingers of change. They possess the potential to shape society into its best version. However, to enable them to do so, it is essential that they are armed with appropriate knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. This article highlights all the fundamental rights and responsibilities that every young citizen should know. This is necessary so that they can be more mindful of their actions, leading to greater growth and success.