Fraternity, a cherished value enshrined in the Indian Constitution, crucially contributes to fostering unity and equality within society. However, its practical application presents various challenges and raises critical questions.
The concept of fraternity, which stands for brotherhood and unity, originated in Ancient Greece. Plato’s Lysis depicts ‘Philia’ (love) as a potent yearning for wisdom and portrays fraternity as a profound desire to share knowledge and wisdom with others. It thereby enriches friendships through an intellectual exchange.
Aristotle, another Greek philosopher, furthered the concept of fraternity by highlighting the importance of ‘polis’, the city-state where citizens were politically integral. Friendships among citizens within a city-state were considered critical.
During the Middle Ages, fraternity assumed a different perspective within the European Christian context. Here, fraternity was tied to religious and communal bonds, fostering a sense of brotherhood between believers through shared religious beliefs and practices. The French Revolution in 1789 marked the introduction of fraternity into politics with the famous motto “liberté, égalité, fraternité” (liberty, equality, fraternity). In this context, fraternity symbolized unity and solidarity among citizens fighting for their rights and freedom.
Fraternity in the Indian Context
India’s experience with fraternity differs from that of other nations. This principle of unity and brotherhood is a constitutional value in India, designed to foster social harmony. Its essence in the Indian Constitution emanated from a need to mitigate hierarchical social inequalities prevalent in Indian society. Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar emphasized the inseparability of liberty, equality, and fraternity as pillars of Indian democracy.
The principle of fraternity is enshrined in the Preamble and flows through other provisions of the Indian Constitution. For instance, Article 51A(e) mandates every citizen to ‘promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India.’ This provision was added through the 42nd and later on, revised by the 86th Amendment.
Challenges Hindering Fraternity in India
There are numerous societal and cultural challenges to fraternity in India. Diversity in cultures and traditions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among different communities. Religious or caste-based differences often incite mistrust, discrimination, and violence, eroding the spirit of brotherhood. Other factors such as economic disparities, political ideologies, lack of mutual trust, failure of constitutional morality, a less robust moral order, educational disparities, regional differences, and language barriers all contribute to the inhibition of fraternity in India.
Way Forward for Promoting Fraternity
Promoting fraternity requires initiatives aimed at fostering social and cultural harmony among diverse communities. These programs should enable dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among individuals from different backgrounds. Civic education from an early age plays a pivotal role in instilling values of fraternity, equality, and social justice. Leaders should demonstrate ethical leadership at all societal levels, showcasing responsible citizenship and moral conduct.
Respect for religious and cultural diversity is also crucial, with interfaith dialogues and protections for religious and cultural minorities promoting a culture of tolerance and social cohesion. Implementing policies and programs that address economic disparities and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for all citizens can further assist in fostering fraternity.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination includes questions related to the concept of fraternity in India. One such example from the previous year’s Prelims was about which objective is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India, where the correct answer was ‘Economic Liberty’. Similarly, Mains included a question discussing each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’ and whether they are defendable in the current circumstances.
While challenges persist, the concept of fraternity embedded in the Indian Constitution serves as a beacon of unity and brotherhood, striving to promote a harmonious society in India.