Shrimathi Devkunvar Nanalal Bhatt Vaishnav College for Women

UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES

Common for all U.G. Courses (Effective from the Academic Year
2023 – 2024)

I YEAR II SEMESTER
SYLLABUS

CREDITS: 2 TOTAL HOURS:30

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The course aims

 To understand the meaning, nature and importance of values and value education.

 To instill ethical behaviour in individuals and promoting integrity, honesty and

accountability.

 To inculcate the spirit of patriotism and National integration.

 To create awareness about the Fundamental Values, Rights and Duties in the Indian
Constitution.

 To help them learn the right way to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

CO No. CO Statement
At the end of the this course students will be able to
CO1 Learn the importance of values which acts as guiding factor in day to day life..
CO2 Create a communal harmonious society and practice unity in diversity.
CO3 Develop sense of brotherhood at social, national and international levels.
CO4 Appreciate and practice values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
CO5 Stimulate ethical reflection, awareness, responsibility for one’s actions and their
consequences.

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UNIT I: VALUE EDUCATION AND ITS PURPOSE 6 Hrs
Value education and its significance in the present world – Value system – The role
of culture and civilization – Holistic living – balancing the outer and inner – Body,
Mind and Intellectual level
UNIT II: VALUES FOR LIFE 6 Hrs
Truth (Satya), Righteousness (Dharma), Love and Compassion (Prem & Karuna),
Forgiveness (Kshama), Empathy, Service (Seva) , Renunciation Sacrifice (Tyaga),
Commitment, Honesty and Integrity, Care, Unity, and Inclusiveness,
UNIT III: SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6 Hrs
Peace (Shanti) and Non-violence (Ahimsa), Patriotism, Pride and Gratitude for
Nation, National Integration, Dr.A.P.J.Kalam’s ten points for enlightened
citizenship Social Values and Welfare of the citizen, Interdependence of all being
– living and non—living, The binding of man and nature
UNIT IV: HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES 6 Hrs
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Fundamental Values – Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity & Human Dignity
Fundamental Rights – Right to Life (Refer to Article 21 of the Constitution), Right
to Freedom of Speech & Expression ((Refer to Article 19), Right to Education
(Refer to Article 21A), Right to Health & Housing (Refer to Article 21), Right to
Work and Decent Living (Refer to Article 21), Right against Exploitation (Refer to
Article 23(1), Article 23(2), (Article 23, Article 24)
Fundamental Duties (Refer Article 51A 0f the Constitution)
Human Rights violations
UNIT V: SOCIETAL CONCERNS 6 Hrs
Corruption, Cybercrime, Terrorism – Alcoholism, Drug addiction – Dowry
Domestic violence – untouchability – female infanticide – atrocities against
women– How to tackle them.

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Pedagogy – Practical/Hands on
 Lectures
 Narratives and anecdotes from history, literature including folklore
 Discussions of Values and their practices on real-life issues in groups
 Workshops
 Panel discussion on case studies/situations
 Role-play wherever applicable
 Demonstration (audio/video/written) by learners
 Observation (individual/peer group)
 Expert talks – Lec/dem
 Field visits
Assessment & Evaluation
 Paper based Test
 Internet based Test
 Assessment on Practical case assignments
 Individual and group activities ( Role play, Group discussion,
peer evaluation,)
 Field visits
 Reflective Writing
 Survey
 Interviews

References and Suggested Readings:

1. Bandiste, D.D.. Humanist Values: A Source Book, New Delhi: B.R. Publishing
Corporation, 1999.
2. Chakravarthy, S.K. Values and Ethics for Organizations: Theory and Practice,
N e w D e l h i : Oxford University Press, 1999.
3. Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. Awakening: Indians to India. Chennai: Chinmaya Mission,
2008.
4. Das, M.S. and Gupta, V.K. Social Values among Young Adults: A Changing
Scenario, New Delhi:M.D. Publications, 1995.
5. For Life, For the future: Reserves and Remains – UNESCO Publication.
6. Ghosh, A. The Foundations of Indian Culture. Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo
Ashram, 1998.
7. Joshi, K. Education for Character Development. Delhi: Dharam Hinduja Centre
of Indic Studies, 1997.

8. Mookerji, R. K. Ancient Indian Education. Delhi: Motilal Banarasidass, 1989.

9. NCERT, Education in Values, New Delhi, 1992.
10. Ruhela, S.P. Human Values and Education, New Delhi:Sterling Publications, 1986
11. Satchidananda, M.K. Ethics, Education, Indian Unity and Culture, New Delhi:
Ajantha Publications, 1991.
12. Swami Budhananda. How to Build Character: A Primer . New Delhi:Ramakrishna
Mission, 1983
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 13. Swami Vivekananda, Youth and Modern India, Chennai: Ramakrishna Mission..
14 Transforming Indians to Transform India, Chennai: Chinmaya Mission, 2012.
15. Values, A Vedanta Kesari Presentation, Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1996.

Web-sources

1. Refer Curriculum and Guidelines for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal) 2.0 – Module 25:
Universal Human Values
https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/4371304_LifeSKill_JeevanKaushal_2023.pdf

2. UGCGuidelines on “Educational Framework for GlobalCitizenship in HigherEducation”

https://w ww.ugc.gov.in/e-book/GCED%20Book_WEB.pdf

3. UGC Guidelines on “Mulya Pravah- Inculcations of Human Values and Professional

Education 2.0

https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/8799370_Mulya-Parvah_Guideline.pdf

4. Institute of Distance Education- University of Madras

http://ideunom.ac.in/Book/Book_file/AECCII.pdf
5. Constitution of India
https://lddashboard.legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/COI...pdf

6. A Foundation Course in HUMAN VALUES and Professional Ethics, Presenting a

universal approach to value education through self-exploration
https://atmiyauni.ac.in/public/file/HVPE%20Text%20Book.pdf

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 Table of Contents

S.No Titles Page

No.
1. Value Education and its purpose 6
2. Values for Life 13
3. Social Consciousness and 18
Responsibilities
4. Human Rights and Constitutional 24
Values
5. Societal Concerns 35

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 UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES
UNIT 1: VALUE EDUCATION AND ITS PURPOSE
1.1 Introduction
No man is an island. Each individual becomes the representative of their society. The
identity of the society is not been decided by the head count of the individuals. Rather it has
been decided by the way of its value system. Values, the literal meaning is worth. Am I worthy?
This self- examining question gives you various answer based on your beliefs, ideas, and
community experiences. It also viewed as ideals and principles of a particular society. Value
arises from the interaction between an individual and the society. The core aim of values is to guide
us to opt between the right and wrong with the essence of community care. Pursuit of values
transcends the community and transforms its individual. The worth of an individual or a society does
not depend on the materialist wealth; instead it depends on worthy living practices with core values.
Consequently long standing civilizations are meant for its cherishing value practices. Values
lead the stakeholders to live a respectable life in the society by observing set of moral obligations
for the benefit of self and for the society.

1.2 Value Education –Purpose and its significance in the present world

Education is not limited to the imparting of information or training of skills. It

hasto give the educated a proper sense of values.
Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
Value education enhances to opt good and right for the sake of all. It attempts to shape the
character of the individual by holding responsibility for their actions. The expected outcome of
value education is to have the capacity to exercise judgment based on moral and social ethics.
Value education cultivates good citizenship and turned the population into human resource. It
generates ecological awareness and rational decision making for the benefit of all life form. Value
educations guide the society to invest the leisure time into socially beneficial projects. Fostering
cultural harmony and celebrating the diversity with human values are the result of value
education.

Value dwells where philosophy resides. Philosophy and values are interconnected
elements. Upholding certain philosophies ensure to raise with values. When an individual is
clear in thought, mind, word and action it clearly depicts that individual is a person with value
base. Values aid in differentiates do’s and don’ts however never attempt to criticize don’t as
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inferior one. Values boost up higher order thinking and also guide the individual in their decision
making.

1.3 Value system

Value means virtue in thoughts, action, deed, belief and attitudes. System represents
socially acceptable structure or framework. A collective concept of individual ideologies and
priorities set as guiding principles of the respective society. The interaction of individual with
self, family, society, environment and cosmos craft a foundation for the value system. Reflections
are the outcome of such interactions. The collective reflections of many individual construct the
value system of a society. When individual gains high calibers inter personal and intra personal
experiences, the society respects and acknowledge such refined experiences. As a result refined
experience arises out of interactions contribute a lot and uphold the value system of the related
society.

Values are not observed or perceived in a same perspective by all humans. Social,
cultural, psychological and economic factors determine the values of a particular society. What
is worth for me may not be worth for you? Ethics and values followed in one group may not be
appropriate for the other. Yet there are some values accepted by all across the world to promote and
patronize global citizenship is called as Universal values.
Case Study

listed as follows:
irresponsible public

waste of time

Creating scene social worker

Nothing is going to change good citizenship

I’ll stop littering

corporation will take care real heroes

What is my opinion?

1.4 Role of Culture and Civilization

Culture denotes the way of life lead by the members of social groups. It could be family,
tribe, race , nation or members of global citizenship .Way of life includes dressing, food habits,
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language, religion, rituals, belief and manners of the social group. Culture is a dynamic process since
the social groups are actively responding to the life style changes and adjusting towards the social
and environmental challenges. The set of practices being inherited and followed by the social
group with certain adjustments in order to handle the issues of life can also be called as culture.
Koening defines culture as the sum total of man’s effort to adjust the environment and to
improve the modes of living.
UNESCO defines cultures as the “set of distinctive spiritual, material and intellectual
and emotional features of society or a social group that it encompasses, in addition to art and
literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs.” Therefore
understanding the role of culture is important in order to cope up with value education. The
admirable characteristics of culture in promoting value education are listed as follows:

1. Sharing Culture serves as a tool in spreading aesthetic sense among

the social groups.

2. Inheritance Social groups embrace, accept and transmit the culture with
Diversity in their social activities.

3. Behavior modification Imparting values through culture bring out positive impact
onthe behavior of the individuals.

4. Morals Culture is the vehicle to deliver morality thoughts and actions

to generation of peoples.

1.4.1 Civilization

Civilization is a process of approximation to an ideal state. This process starts from the state
of very nature taking the support of scientific and technological support towards urbanization.
In other words civilization can be described as an advanced state of social development. Adam
smith has illustrated human social development in four distinct stages:

 Stage 1: Hunters, the rudest state of society

 Stage 2: Shepherds, more advanced state of society.

 Stage 3: Settlers, agriculture and some sort of fixed habitation

 Stage 4: commercial society, most advanced stage urbanized

Civilization is viewed as an end product of social and political evolution. Each human

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society is shaped by its own state of affairs. However social forces are the core reason for
development of infrastructure. The diversity in the human experiences lead to the development of
civilization in the form of cities and states, irrigation, trade, culture, etc., with an exclusive
attempt on languages with written forms.

1.4.2 Moral Facts of Civilization

Guizot outlined the great fact about civilization with two symptoms.

1. Development of social activity

2. Development of individual activity

If at all a mankind ensures the progress of society and the progress of humanity
(individual) without savagery or barbarism then it can be claimed as civilization. Thus it is
understood that civilization is all about a particular community and its continuity in a particular
direction.

A small number of civilizations are entitled as refined communities. Addressing more

complexities lead to better refinement. Civilization with better refinement have had emerged to an
ideal state.

The moral aspects of a civilization can be outlined from its contribution to arts and
specific skills. The leisure time activities of the civilized society have been invested for the
promotion of art and culture. Therefore unique aesthetic expressions can be traced out from
each civilization.

The advancement of human civilization can be viewed in the following aspects:

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 Nevertheless civilization and human development has the trace of primitive warfare.
War is a main factor for the rise and fall of civilization. Land becomes the central need in
creating a habitat and settlement. Hence humans feel worth fight for it. Thus the war for land and
settlement has ruined the peace of mankind.
Climate change and its associated problems are at the forefront for the future mankind. Men
never succeed in controlling the nature. However attempt to control nature with the support of
science and technology results in irreversible damages. Taking for granted with nature enable to
achieve materialist success but failure in bonding with the nature. The journey of mankind
evolved from cave in the past and it has reached the heights of cloud computing in the present. No
matter how strange we were in the beginning and how civilized we are in the present, but must
respect the way of life and values of all the times exclusively the past. Civilization is the
roadmap to understand the values of human societies.

1.5 Holistic Living

The etymological origin of the word holistic derives from “holism.” Holism is the term
related with philosophical approaches emphasizing that the whole is greater than the sum of its
parts. To live a holistic living, the whole need be to understood by analyzing its dimensions. The
end result of examining our experience bestows some learning for better living .This process of
self-examining and self-adjustment towards peace and harmony termed as holistic living. The
dimensions of holistic living are physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual. When
individualgives importance to all the dimensions of holistic living with a balanced self, there
starts the holistic living. Cultural tendencies, traditions, values, family conditions, social
environment and lifestyle are the significant factors determine individuals and their holistic
living.

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 Holistic living includes healthy living. According to the World Health Organization, the
health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. In other words, health is the
harmony between the body, mind and spirit. Therefore, sustainable health is the central aim of
holistic living. Holistic living guarantees values and healthy approach in all decision making
and respect the individual preferences, needs and values. A person who prefers holistic living
should be more informative about the alternative choice for healthy living and accepts guidance
from others.

Every individual lives matter. Matter means considering body, mind and soul of an
individual. Acknowledging the existence of body, mind and soul have raised the human as the
most holistic entity among the living beings. Human is an entity different in many other aspects.
Smiling, thinking, reasoning and communicating are the exclusive actions can be performed
only by humans. Sense of ethics and aesthetics make the life more worthy and dynamic. A
meaningful holistic life is possible to all human unless their efforts are focused towards virtue,
wealth, love. Thus human can lead an honorable and holistic living.

1.6 Balancing the Outer and Inner

 Except the walking stick, Gandhiji never used any weapon .But he succeeded in
the freedom fight of our Indian sub-continent.

 The shrunken face of Mother Theresa has won the hearts of many by spreadinga
four letter word ‘LOVE’.

Society is typically a mirror. The contribution of each iconic individual has a place of
record in the pages of history. Gandhiji and Mother Theresa were not young by age; not strong in
physic when they served the society but still they gave their best. Definitely both of them would
have faced language problem, financial crisis, social stigmas, geographical distance and
climatic conditions etc., on the public forum. Added to this, there were no such techno friendly
social media in those days. How was it possible? How did they balance the situation? Didn’t
they feel stress? How did they manage their anxiety? What about their lifestyle diseases?However
these personalities are well known for their charismatic leadership. Charisma means…..beauty?
What kind of beauty? It means the outlook? or the inner strength? Gandhiand Mother Theresa
are the best example for simplicity. They never used any high brand accessories or clothing to
maintain their personality. Yet they hold a very respectable place inthe society. They were
strong enough to handle the toughest situation of life.

Everything is possible but it is not that much easy to put it into action. These charismatic
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 leaders made it viable only by maintaining the outer and inner. Outer refers to our body. The
ancient literature portrayed our body as temple. The ideology behind such comparisons is to
maintain the sacredness of being human and to emphasis the importance of accepting and
respecting our own body. Avoid misusage of our own body for an ulterior motive is the core
values stay behind such portrayal. Observing simple and modest living ensures healthy outer.

Surrendering the self to the most might power is the secret of strong inner .As a
consequence our mind and spirit continue to live in peace and harmony. When the individual
body, mind and soul experience peace and harmony, simultaneously it strength the dimensionsof
holistic living with positive outlook. In continuation of the process, individuals yield good
contribution to the society. Thus balancing of inner and outer is the path way to holistic living.

1.7 Body, Mind and Intellectual level

Body is the physical entity, formed by flesh, bone, nerves, muscles and blood .Human
body is a medium to experience pleasure and pain occurs out of individual’s action and thoughts.
Since body is not a permanent entity, the level of importance and consideration may vary due
to individual preferences. Individuals with higher level of thinking respect the body with dignity
and never ever allow destruction or self-harming. Observances of clean and healthy behaviors
conserve the body with positive mind and stimulate intellectual strength.
Giving importance for the outlook, exploit the body as a showcase of emotions and
misinterpretation of the aesthetic sense and its philosophical values are commonly found amongthe
individuals with lower level thinking. Peace and harmony, the output of holistic living becomes
unattainable when imbalance found among the body, mind and spirit .Therefore individual
voluntarily opt for self-destruction or assassinating the characters of others. Such ethical dilemma
creates a setback in physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual growth of the individuals.

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UNIT II: VALUES FOR LIFE

2.1 Introduction

Values are the guiding principles that lead us in the path of life. Whether knowingly
adopted or unknowingly inherited values flow out of positive reception to express one’s self to
the world .Values determines our priorities and reflect in our behavior. Therefore it creates
identity to the individuals. Let us explore some of the core values in this lesson and reboot our
value force.

2.2 Truth (Satya)

Truth is eternal and unchanging, as it deals with the ultimate and unchanging reality. It is
marked by veracity, honesty and sincerity, purity, accuracy and fairness, fearlessness and integrity.
It may have many facets as subjective or relative truth and that is why people cling to “my truth”
and “your truth” leading to conflict at times. These are perceptions of truth thatchange according to
experience, age, perspective, culture, and belief system. However, when searching for a lasting truth
that withstands relativity, the values of common sense, intuition,justice, the quest for knowledge, a
spirit of enquiry and synthesis, are nurtured and enhanced. Truth involves honesty in thought,
speech, and action. Subscription to truth leads to just,happy, and healthy relationships at the
individual and collective levels

2.3 Righteousness (Dharma)

Righteousness is the practice of propriety and decorum in life. In simple language it is markedby
“right conduct”. It covers ethical guidelines, ethical behaviour and moral righteousness. Its essence
is covered in the saying: Do good, see good, and be good. All cultures stress on it.Indian culture
revolves around the concept of Dharma which means dharayate ya sa dharam(what is worth doing
or upholding) in which action is guided by time, place, and class.

2.4 Love and Compassion (Prem and Karuna)

Love is the all-pervading life energy. This value may be confused with attraction, “romantic
attachment” or lust, as it refers to something much deeper and more fundamental in human
nature, marked by selflessness and detachment from mutual expectations. It finds its
manifestation in sincere care for others, kindness, empathy, and compassion and is
unconditional. The spirit of love urges us to embrace all those around us with compassion.
True love leads to compassion; and compassion without love is like offering alms to others.
Gautam Buddha renounced palatial life for seeking answers to questions for himself and others.
It is said that he attained enlightenment after years of dhyana (meditation) and tapa. Then sprang
a desire in him to preach and pass on the knowledge that he had acquired, to others in society.
While thinking so, he realized that there was some kind of ego lurking in the deep recesses of his
mind that was persuading him to think that only he was enlightened and others were ignorant.
Hence, he needed to oblige them out of pity for them. It is saidthat the Buddha then returned to
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the forest that very moment and meditated all over again. After meditation, he concluded that he
would share his knowledge with other members ofsociety not out of his ego but out of his love
for them and consequent compassion becauseall were his own people. Such was his love for his
people that despite knowing Sanskrit he abandoned it in favour of Pali, a Prakrit or natural
language of the people.

2.5 Forgiveness (Kshama)

According to Olbrycht, forgiveness is an internal experience. An act of will to decide
and reconsider the relationship between harm suffered and the wrongdoer. It is a conscious,
responsible, and free act. The process of forgiveness opens the person to readiness for
reconciliation. Forgiveness helps to overcome bitterness and promotes the reconstruction and
development of correct interpersonal relationship. Forgiveness is a constant positive trait, a
tendency to forgive wrongs experienced at different times and different situations. It concerns
the change in attitude towards the person who caused harm, manifests itself in thinking, feeling,
and behavior. The basic concepts of forgiveness is to response to the harm being done by the
offender to the victim by establish authenticated relationship.
2.6 Empathy
Individual’s capacity to understand the point of others from their view point in an emotional
significance of a situation is termed as empathy. It is a strong motivation to avoid harming
others. It promotes prosocial behavior on the positive side and also extends aggression and
division of groups on the other side. In day today life, Public volunteership during calamities
weeping eyes of funeral attendees are the simple examples of empathy.

2.6.1 Classification of Empathy:

Accordingly to Daniel Goleman and Paul Ekman, empathy is classified under three
categories:

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 2.6.2 Ability to sacrifice

Giving up own interest for the sake and wellbeing of the close associations out of love
and respect is meant as sacrifice. Helping tendency is different from sacrifice. Help can be done
to anyone and there is no need for giving up your interest or desire whereas sacrifice isbeing
done only to the known people by subordinating personal goals. To maintain a sustainable
relationship, people ought to do sacrifice .Due to power imbalances in relationship powerless
or dependant individuals opt for voluntary sacrifice to retain the relationship.

Love is the base for sacrifice. The more you love others; the more you prepared yourselfto
sacrifice. The ability to sacrifice is classified as follows:

1. Active sacrifice: Doing undesirable action for the benefit of close associations
and loved ones in daily routine life. Example: selection of television channels ,food,
etc.,

2. Passive Sacrifice: Avoiding desirable action for the benefit of close associations
and loved ones in major decisions of life.

Example: giving up your dream profession, relation circle, religion, celebrations for
compromising with family peace.
2.7 Service (Seva)
When love and compassion for others and the readiness to suffer for others out of love take
the form of action, it becomes service. Love and renunciation unattended by service are not true
values. True love and renunciation are not for self but for the sake of others. Self-directed
renunciation is greed of the worst kind. In this manner, the ideals of love and renunciation and
service are interrelated. It is not possible to serve without renunciation or some form of suffering
in terms of personal comforts, material or at least time. This ethos leads us to other ethos of satya
(truth), prem (love), and karuna (compassion) that like in many cultures, the Indian culture
valued its long history. Service is possible only when one loves others as one loves oneself, not
as the other. The value of service rejects adversarialdiscourse by transcending the binary mode
of thinking.

2.8 Renunciation Sacrifice (Tyaga)

Stressing on the importance of the value of tyaga, Mahatma Gandhi singled out the Upanishadic
hymn from Ishopanishad: “Tena tyaktena bhunjitha magrdhahkasyasviddhanam”. [So, we must enjoy
that (the world) with tyagabhava (a sense of renunciation), without being consumed by greed,
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do not covet other’s wealth, and act without any attachment.] In other words, karma is the
foundation of human life in this world. Enjoy things provided by nature and earned through
righteous action because life is impossible but enjoyment or consumption without renunciation
is the animalistic nature not human.
The two terms tyaga and bhoga may appear to be contradictory, but they are so to the Indianmind
and reality as well. Bhoga with tyagabhava and tyaga with bhogabhava is the root of allhuman and
literary values.
Tyaga (renunciation) has two pre-conditions: love for all living beings and the absence of
selfishness. Tyaga is not self-directed but other-directed and it is for life in all forms and shapes, for the
welfare of all (lokasangraha). Only then does life become a festival. Tyaga begins when selfishness
ends. Also, service is born, when tyaga with action begins. Renunciation to ward off the problems
of life is cowardice. Tyaga without action means a parasitic life. Unegoistical service is inconceivable
without tyaga; and true service is possible only out of (prem) love and (karuna) compassion. Life
and death are eternal truths and so is the truth of karma between the two, and meaningful tyaga
is the invaluable truth, though so easily livable, ofhuman life. The lives of Sri Rama, Sri Krishna,
Gautama Buddha and Jesus Christ illustrate the point, as they demonstrated extreme renunciation
and detachment in the performanceof their karma. Rama renounced the throne of Ayodhya in
obedience to his father. Krishna charioteered and directed the Mahabharata and the Kurukshetra
war but did not aspire for anything for himself. Gautama Buddha renounced a kingdom in the
quest for Truth. In recent history, Mahatma Gandhi’s life is a case in point because he is revered
for his sacrificewith no greed for power.

2.9 Commitment

Life is full of commitments. The happiest moment of life is enjoying the accomplishment
of our own commitment. Spiritual leaders always emphasize the verses ‘Commit your ways to
the Lord. Wedding is an oath taking ceremony between life partners to engage in a committed
life. Performing morning duties and exercise is an action of commitment performed by the body
towards a healthy life. Rest and meditation are the enterprising commitment to the mind, and
soul. Lifelong learning is the commitment of the intellectuals to enrich their scholarly attitudes.
Hence commitment refers to performing certain task or act for the great wellbeing of personal
and social life. Satisfaction is the reward of commitment. A sense of psychological attachment
towards a desired task or relationship is also termed as commitment.

2.9.1 Types of Commitment

i) Personal commitment: Self commitment is the other name of Personal commitment.

Every individual commitment differs according to their need and environment.
However commitment gives confidence to stick on with self-discipline. The sole
responsibility of the commitment lies with the person who commits and soul
satisfaction is the fruit of such commitments. Out of love and respect individual opt
for self-commitment and there is no place for forcing or pressure from others but

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 there is a chance for ethical dilemma.

ii) Social Commitment: Commitment made for the well-being of others. Others refer to
family, friends, neighborhood, society, institution, environment, government, nation
and global. Social commitment arises out of environmental forces or by law. Social
commitment is pledged for the wellbeing of all with a due consideration of ethics
and moral.

2.10 Honesty and Integrity

In the words of Spencer Johnson, integrity is telling myself the truth and honesty is
telling the truth to other people. Having the courage to say 'no' in an acceptable manner; having
the courage to face the truth and its consequences, doing the right things because it is right. These
are the trait of the honest people. Honest is closely follow the path way of truth; avoid being
partial.

Being true and holding righteousness in all the walks of life is integrity. It is a rare trait
among people. Integrity is internalized quality. It is the common believe of the people that
individual with integrity are precious and rare to be found. However it is advisable to maintain
a friendly relationship with such people. Various religious scripts says that person with integrity
should be pay off in all the worlds.

2.11 Care, unity and inclusiveness

The above values are interconnected by nature. In democratic countries, Government

takes the role of a mother and care for the citizens. Unity strengthens the nations and promotes
inclusiveness with a sense of no one left behind. As a result where there is a care, there exist the
unity and extend the hand for inclusiveness. It does not mean to apply only for democratic
nations. Rather it is the fundamental for human-nature relationship and family relationship. In
existing situations values like care, unity and inclusiveness are found as a feasible application in
all sectors particularly with institutional relationship, Organizational and industrial relationship,
Environmental and eco-friendly relationships.

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UNIT III : SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Peace (Shanti)
Peace refers to a state of being quiet, calm, and free from emotional disturbance. It is achievedby
balance and harmony both within oneself and outside. Self-control, patience, equanimity, and
acceptance of others as one’s own help in achieving it. Its scope encompasses peace bothat the
individual level and the world level.

3.2 Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

Non-violence is a result of restraint from consciously doing any harm through thought, speech,
or action to any entity—living or non-living. It is the result of the practice of allother values,
and its practice would ensure world peace and global harmony. It requires being sensitive to the
fact that there is life in all forms of existence, and all living beings are interconnected. Violence
ranging from bullying to racism, physical harm to individuals, from wars and apartheid to acts
of terrorism, from killing animals to causing damage to the environment, all this is rooted in
prejudice, ignorance, insecurity, fear, and greed.

3.3 Patriotism, Pride and Gratitude for the Nation

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of our country once said "Where there is righteousness
in the heart, there's beauty in character. Where there is beauty in the character, there is harmony
in the homes. Where there is harmony in the homes, there is order in the nation. When there is
order in the nations, there is peace in the world." A peaceful nation automatically renders the
atmospherefor creative living, peaceful coexistence and great prosperity.
Bharat, the oldest living and thriving civilization to date, was always the world leader in its
spiritualteachings, material prosperity, scientific advancements, innovation and great might.
We feel extremely proud of our Nation.
From our soil rose the timeless invaluable knowledge of the vedic sciences, ayurveda,
mathematics, metallurgy, agriculture, cultivation of herbs and spices, textiles, architecture,
knowledge of the cosmosand also understanding of the mind. Ours is the land of saints and sages,
thinkers and professionals, brave men and outstanding women. Bharat had attained mastery over
the art of warfare together withthe art of peaceful coexistence. Since ancient times Bharat has always
welcomed people from different nations, cultures and traditions, made them feel wanted, and
helped them integrate into their newhome. This has led to the making of an extremely multicultural
society. The aroma of different foods,the rich colours, the folk songs and dances, festivals and
feasts cannot be found anywhere exceptBharat. Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation, of
which we are extremely proud.
These achievements include excellent software professionals, educationists and academicians,
health care professionals, pharmacists and scientists, architects, planners, engineers and a skilled
workforce. Family values and family bonding of the Bharatiya society are looked upon with
admiration and respect by other people in the world.
The bravest and most professional soldiers guard our nation. We the people of Bharat are
extremely proud of our armed forces. When there is pride, our hearts swell with love and
patriotism for our nation. Responsibility to gallop forth with conviction, the might of our
knowledge, power of our innovations and great love for our nation rests upon our youth who
18
will take our nation forwardand make Bharat the World Leader.

3.4 National Integration

India is the land of “Unity in Diversity”. India is one country where one can witness
different cultures, languages, religions, customs, climates, food habits, etc., lives under one roof
.Imparting national Consciousness by instilling the feeling of oneness is the fundamental of
National Integration. Further it aims to eliminate socio-cultural and economic inequality among
the nationalities without losing the rich heritage and tradition of our nation. National integration
creates a positive vibes among the citizens to say ‘no’ to violence and ‘yes’ to peaceand harmony.

3.5 Dr.A.P.J. Kalam’s ten points for enlightened citizenship

1. I will love whatever profession I take up and I will try to excel in it.
2. From now onwards I will teach at least 10 persons to read and write those who cannot
read and write.
3. I will plant ten saplings/trees and ensure their growth.
4. I will go to rural and urban areas to reform at least five persons from the habits of
addiction and gambling.
5. I will take responsibility for removing the pain of ailing persons.
6. I will participate in the mission of realizing the economic strength of India by combining
it with an education with value system and by transforming religion into a spiritual
force.
7. I will not support any differentiation on account of community or language.
8. I will lead an honest life free from all corruption and will set an example for others
toadopt a transparent way of life.
9. I will always be a friend of the mentally and physically challenged and I will work hard
tomake them feel normal.
10. I will celebrate the success of my country and my people.

3.6 Social Values and Welfare of the citizen

There are certain words sounds great in day to day context. Value, valuable, worthy are
found similar and probably related words used to describe the characteristics of individuals.
Every individual differs in their thoughts, belief, and interest however when comes to society,
people abide to follow certain values and thoughts, belief and interest in common for the sake
of all.

According to R.K. Mukerjee (1949), a pioneer Indian sociologist who initiated the study
of social values made a strong emphasis on the following two point:

1. Values are not limited only to religion and ethics.

2. Economics, politics and law also give rise to values.

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 According to R.K.Mukjerjee “Values are socially approved desires and goals that are
internalised through the process of conditioning, learning or socialisation and that become
subjective preferences, standards and aspirations”. It is understood from this definition that
humanity accepts and encourage socially acceptable practices and discourage intolerance
practices. Social values are created by members of the society for the welfare of the citizens. It
can be further classified into Common values and Individual values.

3.7 Classification of Social values

Majority of the individuals accept the common values for the sake of their society. In an
ideal sense, common values regulate and organize the respective society. Cultures, Politics,
economic are the factor determines common values. Hence it differs from one society to another
one.

Individual citizen, who is a part of the society internalized certain values from the society
and set individual standards. Such inspirational powers steer the individuals to contribute better
citizenship to the society. Biological, environmental and psychological factor determines the
individual values. Each individual is unique and their perception also differs about values.

Based on the global context, values can be further extended to National Values and
International values. However, social value connects the individual with the society and society
with the individual. Indirectly it means, “All for one and one for all”. Welfare of the citizen is
theultimate aim of social values.

3.8 Interdependence of all beings - Living and Non-living

An ecosystem consists of living and non-living components. Despite the fact that species
are from different trait, all beings depend on each other’s. Interdependence is the theory of
Nature. Plant depends on abiotic components like soil, sunlight, water etc., for its survival.
Animal depends on plants for food and shelter. Plant, the producer used to get nutrients from
the decomposers, microorganism. Thus the interdependence of all beings maintains energy

20
 living in the nature cycle. Food chain and shelter are the basic reason for the interdependencyof
all beings. However nature never forgets to teach us the value of symbiotic relationship.

Etymology of the word symbiosis derived from Greek. It refers to sym and bios which
means ‘together’ and ‘life’ or ‘life working together’. The basic philosophy of life working
relationship is as follows:

1. Mutualism – relationship with benefits for both

2. Commensalism – benefit for one without harming the other.

3. Parasitism – benefit for one; sometimes at the cost of other.

3.9 Living Beings

1. Producers: Plant is known as the Primary producer of the ecosystem. Flora, the
biological description denotes plant, tree and all vegetations. On the whole it refers to
all plant life. The plant depends on the non-living component like sun, water, minerals
etc., and manufactures the organic compounds. This serves as the food for other
members of the eco system. Hence it is called as Primary producer.

2. Consumers: Fauna indicates life of birds, reptiles, animals. It is well know that herbivores
eat plants and herbs. Carnivores eat flesh of other animals and omnivores refer to both
plant and flesh eater for survival.

3. Decomposers: Microorganism like bacteria and fungi react on the dead organism. By
breaking down the dead organism and waste materials, decomposers produce nutrientsfor
the primary user, plant. Thus the decomposers aid in retain the organic matters to the
environment.

3.10 Non-living components

Abiotic or inorganic components help the organism to live with energy flow. It is in the
form of chemical and physical substances. Sunlight, Soil, rock, mineral, water, atmosphere are
some of the examples for non-living components. These components are essential for the living
beings to interact with the community. We cannot imagine a world without non-living
components. The existence of the nature cycle depends on the exchange between the
components of the ecosystem.
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3.11 Binding of man and nature

Like two sides of a coin, bonding between man and nature keep them worthy and alive.
Any unfair deals of man against the nature lead to fall of mankind. Healthy interactions preserve
dynamism in the bonding of man and nature. Human race have had benefited a lot from naturein
every walks of their life. Understanding the significance of nature, predominantly the climatic
condition and the natural resources, man induced to invade many parts of the world. Until now
there are many direct and indirect wars and conflicts are taking place. On the other hand,
mankind constitute laws to protect Mother Nature. From the lesson learned from the recent past,
the present generation has more awareness and attachments towards the nature. On theoutset,
many citizens started engaging volunteering service to protect nature, irrespective of their age
and personal commitments.

While tracing the association between man and nature, an exclusive strong bonding can
be sketched out with the support of Maslow’s theory of human needs. Nature guided human
race in establishment of initial settlements, food and crops, clothing. Once the basic needs got
fulfilled, and then with the support of nature, human satisfied the safety needs like medicinal
support and creation of permanent residential colonies. In advancement of further development,
the bonding with nature encouraged human to experience love and belongingnessin a family set
up. It is true that common cause is the core theme of community living. Nevertheless the human
acquisitiveness spoiled the environment and nature was taken as granted. Code of ethics in
human- nature relationship came to an end .Extension of individualproperties and boundaries
are mistakenly perceived as symbol of self-esteem. Over a period of time, man realized the slip-
up. In order to maintain a cordial relationship with nature, self-actualized individual and
community started good initiatives and devised plan of action to savethe nature.

1. protecting the existing natural resources

2. generating new resources

3. reviving the natural resource in fading stage

Bonding means ‘accepting as it is and strengthening the relationship’. Extensively, Mother

Nature has accepted mankind. The wealth and health enjoyed by the mankind are the best gifts
of nature. Also it is a cheering duty for the mankind to enjoy, to celebrate and to protect the
bonding of ours with nature. As a token of respect, some ethnic groups still adhere to observe
special thanks giving day to nature since the cultural, economic, political, ethical, social growth

22
and development are completely depends and bonded with nature. Unlike human, nature doesnot
expect anything in return. Instead, invites us to strengthen our bonding with nature, let us
understand the rule of nature from the below message "Living for others is the rule of nature."

Rivers do not drink their own water;

Trees do not eat their own fruits;

The sun does not shine on itself and

Flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.

Living for others is a rule of nature.

We all are born to help each other.

-Pope Francis

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 UNIT IV: HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES

4.1 Introduction

Human race has witnessed lots of trials and tribulations like war, genocide, slave trade,
discrimination; honor killing, etc., Powerless and innocents were the prey for such inhumane
and brutal activities. The shocking fact is that the victims were lack in awareness and did not
sensitized what is happening around them. In some cases, the vulnerable groups who wake up
from the crisis seriously looked over for protection and legal support. In such scenario, the
United Nations Organization laid a foundation to set up a charter to protect and promote the
fundamental freedom of all individuals. To ensure that every life matters, Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by UN General Assembly in the year 1948. It covers a
uniform and universal law to ensure human rights in the following aspects such as civil, social,
economic, cultural and political rights. International covenants and protocol were framed and
adhered in the form of International Bill of Human Rights. The observance of human rights
were declared and jotted down with explanation in the form of 30 Articles. Since then, thefocus
of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights has been expanded and explored its vision
in the areas like women, children, person with differently abled, minorities and other vulnerable
groups. Human Rights Law serves to encompass a specific standard in the life of the people
who were discriminated for a long time in the society. However, it has been traced from the
history that none other than human is the one and only reason caused destructions to their own
race. Each individual is unique. Each individual is entitled to enjoy the basic rights and freedom
to lead a peaceful life. Nobody can hold the rights of another fellow human. With all means,
every single person born in this world has the rights to live with human dignity. In simple words,
Human rights refer to code of moral principles which protect each individual without any
discrimination in economic, social, cultural, civil and political participation in order to lead a
dignified life without the interference of others.

4.2 Classification of Human Rights

From the above definition it is understood that Human Rights are categorized as follows:

Economic rights –to ensure justice in work environment and favorable condition for the workers.

Social rights – emphasis on social protection for every individual and to move towards an
adequate standard of living in order to achieve the highest standards of physical and mental
wellbeing.

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Cultural rights – right to education, cultural freedom and scientific progress.

Civil and Political rights –It covers rights such as freedom of movement; equality before the
law; the right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence; freedom of thought, conscience and
religion; freedom of opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; freedom of association;
participation in public affairs and elections; and protection of minority rights. It prohibits arbitrary
deprivation of life; torture, cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; slavery and forced
labour; arbitrary arrest or detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; war propaganda;
discrimination; and advocacy of racial or religious hatred.

4.3 Functional levels of Human Rights

No matters in knowing who you are, instead human rights guarantee certain promises to
all human. If any threat arises to human dignity, it shall be addressed through Human Rights
Commission at three levels.

4.3.1 International level : Before understanding the international organizational structure of

human rights, let us view the definition of human rights in terms of United Nations
Organization, Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex,
nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right
to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the
right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without
discrimination.

4.3.2 National Level : National Human rights Commission (NHRC) of India was established

on 12th October 1993. Later on an amendment was carried out during 2006. According to Sec
2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) defines Human Rights asthe rights
relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by theconstitution or
embodied in the International covenants and enforceable by courts in India.

4.3.3 Local Level: Human Rights work beyond the boundaries to ensure peace and harmony.
After all human rights ensure to guard the individual to live a life with dignity without losing
respect.

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4.4 Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the

history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds
from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General
Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common
standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental
human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages.

Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with
reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without
distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be
made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory
to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any
other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4.

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibitedin
all their forms.

Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or

punishment.

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Article 6.

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection
of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this
Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for
acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and
impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge
against him.

Article 11.

(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until
proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary
for his defence.

(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission
which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it
was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the
time the penal offence was committed.

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Article 12.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or
correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the
protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of
each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his
country.

Article 14.

(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from
persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from
non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15.

(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change
his nationality.

Article 16.

(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion,
have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage,
during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending
spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to
protection by society and the State.

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Article 17.

(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes
freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others
and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and
observance.

Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom
to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21.

(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or
through freely chosen representatives.

(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.

(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall
be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage
and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22.

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to
realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the

29
organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights
indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23.

(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable
conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.

(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for
himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary,
by other means of social protection.

(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his
interests.

Article 24.

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working
hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25.

(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being
of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary
social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability,
widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children,
whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26.

(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary
and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional
education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to
all on the basis of merit.

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 (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to
the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote
understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall
further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their
children.

Article 27.

(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to
enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting
from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28.

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms
set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29.

(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development
of his personality is possible.

(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such
limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and
respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality,
public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and
principles of the United Nations.

Article 30.

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person
any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the
rights and freedoms set forth herein.

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4.5 Fundamental Values

• Justice: Different inter-related concepts of justice —natural, social,

economic, political and legal;
• Liberty: Meaning and definition of liberty — Positive and negative
concepts ofliberty.
• Equality: Meaning of Equality — Concepts of Basic Equality, equal worth
and equalauthority – Types of Equality, for example, social, political and
legal.
• Fraternity: Meaning of fraternity — two aspects of fraternity, the dignity
of the individual and the unity and the integrity of the nation — fraternity
as a key to deepening democracy in India.
• Human Dignity: Common definitions of human dignity —Importance of
recognizing human dignity.

4.6 Fundamental Rights:

Fundamental Rights have been guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution. However, to know the
rights and its limits, citizens must read and understand equally about the Guarantees, Rights and
Responsibilities. This would help citizens of India to be empoweredenablers contributing to peace
and prosperity for themselves, for societies and the nation.

1. Right to Life: All citizens of our country have been guaranteed the right to life and
personal liberty, which provides citizens with the environment to work and prosper
without fear, unless a wrong has been committed according to the law and the guilty
punished according to procedureestablished. Article 21 of the Constitution must be read
and understood clearly.
Alongside the rights, citizens must ensure that their actions do not trample upon fellow
citizens, thereby, causing damage to their rights. Mutual respect amongst citizens is
important. Refer to Article 21 of the Constitution.
2. Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression: Citizens of India have been given the
right tothink freely and express themselves with freedom; without fear. This right to freedom
of speech andexpression is guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution. However, the
right is not absoluteas it must fall within the law. Refer to Article 19 of the Constitution.
3. Right to Education: It is the right of all citizens that the State provides free and
compulsoryeducation to children between the ages of 6 and 14. Early childhood care and
education for childrenbelow 6 is also guaranteed. This is guaranteed under Article 21A of
the Constitution.
4. Right to Health and Housing: Citizens are guaranteed shelter, health, and medical aid.
Health care is an essential service and must reach all citizens. Refer to Article 21 of the
Constitution.
5. Right to Work and Decent Living: The right to social justice and economic
empowerment guarantees citizens the freedom to work and earn a decent living. Not doles,
but the opportunity to work. Guarantee to exploit an opportunity and work to the full

32
 potential and earn a decent living, depending on the income that has been created. Refer
to Article 21 of the Constitution.
6. Right against Exploitation: Indeed, after the right to life, the right against exploitation
is most important. Citizens cannot be trafficked or forced into any kind of labour. Such action
against any citizen is punishable under the law. In fact, Article 23, Article 23 (1), Article
23 (2) and Article24 together guarantee protection to every citizen, importantly to the
marginalized, women and children. One may also read the National Child Labour Project
Scheme and Child Labour in India for further clarification. Citizens must have a full
understanding of the laws in order to safeguard themselves.
Refer to Article 23, Article 23 (1), Article 23 (2) and Article 24 of the Constitution.

4.7 Fundamental Duties

(a) To abide by the Constitution, respect its ideals and institutions, the National
Flag andthe National Anthem.
(b) To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired the national
struggle for freedom.
(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
(d) To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
(e) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the
peopleof India and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of
women.
(f) ) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
(g) To protect and improve the natural environment and wildlife and to have
compassion for all living creatures.
(h) To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of enquiry and
reform.
(i) To safeguard public property and abjure violence.
(j) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
(k) To provide opportunities for education to one’s child or ward between the
age of sixand fourteen years.
Refer to Article 51 A of the Constitution.

4.8 Human Rights violation

The government signed in Human Rights treaties enters into a threefold obligation to
respect, protect and fulfill human rights among its civil society without any discrimination.
Ensuring people’s safety is the prime duty of any governance. Monarchy or republic, if a
government fails to protect its country men; there arise the human rights violation. It leads to
abuses of civil, political, cultural, social and economic rights towards the civilians. When a
government forcefully violates Human rights against its citizens, is called direct violation. In
such case, the government imposes unfair trial against the citizens. Brutality and physical
33
violence channelizing through the government officials and representatives lead to civil unrest.

In some cases, the government turns passive. Failure of a government to protect its own
citizen from the upper handed power of the society is known as indirect violation. The
avoidance attitude and the failure of intervene of the government in the societal issues and
conflict becomes threat to the life of the vulnerable groups. Whether it is direct or indirect
violations of Human Rights, the ultimate truth is violation of any one of the human rights is
linked with violation of other rights. Office of the High Commissioner Human Rights
(OHCHR) United Nations list out some of the examples of violations of Human Rights
(economic, social, political and cultural rights) which includes

 Forcibly evicting people from their homes (the right to adequate housing)
 Contaminating water, for example, with waste from State-owned facilities (the right
tohealth)
 Failure to ensure a minimum wage sufficient for a decent living (rights at work)
 Failure to prevent starvation in all areas and communities in the country (freedom from
hunger)
 Denying access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health
(the right to health)
 Systematically segregating children with disabilities from mainstream schools (the right
to education)
 Failure to prevent employers from discriminating in recruitment (based on sex, disability,
race, political opinion, social origin, HIV status, etc.) (The right to work)
 Failure to prohibit public and private entities from destroying or contaminating food
and its source, such as arable land and water (the right to food)
 Failure to provide for a reasonable limitation of working hours in the public and
private sector (rights at work)
 Banning the use of minority or indigenous languages (the right to participate in cultural
life)
 Denying social assistance to people because of their status (e.g., people without a
fixed domicile, asylum-seekers) (the right to social security)
 Failure to ensure maternity leave for working mothers (protection of and assistance to
the family)
 Arbitrary and illegal disconnection of water for personal and domestic use (the right to
water).

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UNIT V: SOCIETAL CONCERNS

5.1 Introduction

The word evil represents destruction or harmful or threat to any life. Social evil referred
as something damage the peace and harmony of the society or community. Any practice affectsthe
social and scientific development of the citizens in a society is known as social evils. It is
brought out by the choice of individual to control others directly or indirectly. This chapter deals
with the most vicious social evils.

5.2 Corruption

When the power or position is misused by an individual with a motive of personal benefit
leads to corruption. Though it is perceived as the dishonest behavior of an individual, in some
way it weakens the entire system. Corruption involved monetary and non-monetary benefits.
Corruption becomes active when authority and power held up in wrong hands and it leads to
loss of national wealth.

Corruption allows the unfit to reach the power which is established for the sake of
common cause. It breaks the confidence of many towards a position of trust. Corruption is a
strongest device to weaken the economy of a nation by debasing the government institutions.
Just by bribing, one can alter the election protocol and ruin the foundation of democracy.
Corruption may be in any forms like extortion, bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, mishandling
of public properties, fraud, etc., bends the rule of law and encourages the existence of
bureaucrats. No nation can attracts foreign investment since the investors are not ready to feed
such social evil. Nevertheless corruption discourages the small business within the countrydue to
the huge hidden startup costs.

5.2. Anti-corruption efforts in India

To fight against the corruption, it becomes mandatory to address the gap between the
policies and practice. India has a well-developed legal and institutional framework which is on
par with United Nation Convention against corruption (UNCAC) .However enforcement of law
remains weak. Following are some of the legal and institutional framework at Central and State
level to execute anti-corruption policies and to create awareness among citizens against
corruption:

I. Legal framework

Prevention of Corruption Act (1988)

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 Prevention of Money Laundering Act (2002) amendment in 2005

Right to Information Act (2005)

State Laws to address corruption

II. Institutional Framework

Supreme Court (SC)

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

Central bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Office of the Controller and the Auditor General (C&AG)

Chief Information Commission (CIC)

State level Anti-corruption Bureau

Apart from the above list, there are some active organizations and vibrant civil societies
represent the public forum with more initiatives to fight against corruption.

5.3 Cyber crime

Crimes committed with the support of high tech computers known as cybercrime.
Criminals may use the computer as a tool or target or both however tackling the cybercrime isa
unique challenge posed on the emerging technology. In short, unethical usage of technology is
the prime cause of cybercrime. It is a kind of sophisticated way of doing crime with the use of
internet. Cybercrime can be caused against person, property or government. Cybercrime is
punishable under Information Technology Act 2000. Few examples of cyber-crimes punishable
under this act are listed as follows:

i. Internet Child Pornography: Producing, possessing, or distributing images of minors (anyone

under the age of 18) engaged in sexual abuse.

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ii. Identify Theft: Taking access to public or victims’ online bank accounts, passwords, money
and sensitive information via internet and engaging online purchase.

iii. Computer Viruses: Computer hackers are digital age criminals who can bring down large
infrastructures with a single keystroke emitting a computer virus. These types of viruses are
macro or binary. Macro viruses attack a specific program, while binary viruses attack data or
attach to program files.

i. Hacking : Illegal intrusion into computer or network

ii. Computer Vandalism: Damaging or destroying the data instead of stealing or misusing.

5.4 Terrorism

Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against person or Property to intimidate
or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of
political or social objectives.” - F.B.I (United States)
‘’Terrorism means an act or threat of violence or an act harmful to human life, tangible
or intangible property or infrastructure with the intention or effect to impudence any government
or to put the public or any segment of the public in fear’’ defines Swiss based Re-insurance
Company.

Any violent action causing intentional harm to a target public, property and environment
is defined as terrorism which affects physical and psycho social wellbeing of the victims.

Victims of Terrorism

Our World will not heal their physical psychological wounds, but we have a duty to
ensure that they are always heard and never forgotten.
-UN Secretary General Secretary Antonio Guterres
In some cases, state terrorism committed by government against the internal people,
dissident terrorism performed by non-state movement against the government, international
terrorism across the boundaries, religious terrorism against the greater glory of faith. Whatever
the reasons and whoever the victims, invariably it is our foremost duty to attend to the needs of
the victims of terrorist attack and treat them with human dignity has become the order of the
day.

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5.4.1 Types of Terrorism

Based on the purpose and based on the targets, different professional have given
different classification for terrorism. Bomb, hijack, kidnap, human bombs, assassinations are
the various ways of terrorist’s attack. Let understand the different types of terrorism.

Bio Terrorism is the term used for terrorist activities in which biological substances are
usedto cause harm to people. It could be in the form of contaminated water, food, air and
packages to create infection with an intentional to release or dissemination of biological agents
like bacteria, viruses, or toxins.

Cyber Terrorism: Terrorist use computer System and telecommunications as a tool to

attackthe civilians or government in the form of cyber worms and viruses

Eco Terrorism: Creating threat to the life of species lives in the environment. It is a tactic
to spread fear among civilians by spoiling the nature from its own way .Plantation of
narcotics, spreading pollution in water resources and encroachment of wood forest at large
scale,etc.

Nuclear Terrorism: “Nuclear terrorism” refers to a number of different ways nuclear

materials might be exploited as a terrorist tactic. Example: Use of Radioactive materials
through explosion.

Narco Terrorism: Violence used by drug traffickers to influence governments or prevent

government efforts to stop the drug trade. To raise fund for terrorist activities is the main
agenda of narco terrorism.

5.4.2 Impact of terrorism

Economic impact: Industry like hotel, tourism, airlines and other inter related industries
have gone down due to terrorist attack. Many people lost their jobs and many industries have
lost their business and financial investors.

Social impact: Terrorist attacks are highly negative in nature and it brought down the belief
and attitude of the society. Damaging the property may cause huge losses to the history by
demolishing historical evidences and cultural information.

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Psychological impact: Brutal assaults and dreadful attacks create a fearful impression and
permanent psychological disturbances to the individuals. United Nations Organization have
recorded many longitudinal studies from terrorist attacked sites.

Political impact: Risking the life of political leaders lead to political instability which in
turn perils the foreign direct investments.

5.4.3 Causes of Terrorism

1.2.1.1 Social and political injustice

1.2.1.2 Absence of education with awareness

1.2.1.3 Misunderstanding the difference in cultural and belief

1.2.1.4 Thinking about one group

1.2.1.5 Wrong understanding on the religious philosophy

5.5 Alcoholism

Alcoholism is the helplessness to control drinking due to both a physical and

emotionaldependence on alcohol. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a long-term brain condition
in which theaddicted person could not stop or control drinking alcohol in spite of losing social life,
job, or health.

Symptoms include repeated alcohol consumption despite related legal and health issues. People
addicted to alcohol may begin each day with a drink, feel guilty about their drinking and
have the desire to cut down on the amount of drinking.

Treatment involves:

detoxification or withdrawal to rid the body from alcohol

rehabilitation to learn new coping skills and behaviors

counseling to address emotional problems causes to drink

medical treatment for health problems associated with alcohol use disorder

Medications to help control addiction.

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5.6 Drug Addiction

According to WHO, about 13 million people worldwide inject drug, about two thirds
of them are living with hepatitis C and about 10% of HIV transmissions globally are due to
injection drug use. Drug refers to counter drugs, street drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. These
substances are used in the form of drinking alcohol, snorting a line of cocaine, taking a
prescription anti- anxiety pill, smoking a cigarette, or injecting (shooting) some heroin .All
these substances change how people feel physically and emotionally when they consume and
it also involves inserious problems or negative consequences in the user’s life.

Substance abuse involves

1. loss of control (compulsive use )

2. denial (refusal to acknowledge the problem)

3. chronic (long-lasting) disease of the brain’s reward and motivation system.

4. Continued use of substances change our brain’s chemistry and electrical wiring.

5.7 Dowry

Volunteering gifts to daughter at the time of marriage was gradually twisted and
turned into dowry as a social menace. Later days, volunteering was replaced by demand.
Love and affection were replaced by economic status and family prestige. To define, Money,
goods and properties brought out by women at the time of wedding from her parent’s family
to her in-laws family is treated as dowry.

Dowry prohibition act was passed in the year 1961.Abolishment of dowry is still
unreachable due to economic, social and religious factors. Dowry system causes gender
imbalances and emotional breakdown by deteriorating the girl’s family. Certainly it is a lead
todomestic violence and family crimes. Empowering women with proper education help
them tosustain economic independence. It is our deliberate duty to instill the importance of
women toabolish gender based inequality. Young minds need to Induce the society to sense
that demanding dowry is another way of begging, creating such mindset is the true remedy
againstthe dowry system. Anti-dowry campaigns serve as a tool to eliminate dowry system.
The law inforce should protect women from such social evils and should not be misused for
any false allegations.

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5.8 Domestic Violence

The challenges undergone by women are completely different from other sex. No
doubt that the collective voice of government and non-government organizations have
brought out improved and high tech protective mechanism and legal assistance. However
women are experiencing violence from various sources. Domestic violence is one such kind.
Any sort of action causes physical, sexual, economic and psychological harm to women from
her known source (home) by those who are in domestic relationship with them including natal
and marital family is known as domestic violence.

According to National Family Health Survey, women in the age group of 15-49 are
thevictims for domestic violence. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
provides remedy in the form of protection order, residence order, and temporary custody of
children, monetary relief and compensation order. Under PWDVA, 2005, breach of a
Protection Order ispunishable with imprisonment for a term upto 1 year, or with fine upto
Rs. 20,000/-, or with both.

5.8.1 Types of domestic Violence

i. Physical violence: Any kind of action result in harmful attack on body like Slapping,
punching, twisting arms, kicking severe assaults using weapons, fire and acids etc.,
and forced sex. Psychological Violence: Any kind of behavior or action result in
attacking the emotions like insult, spouse betrayal, threads to women and her circle,
demeaning, feel rejected or abandonment.

ii. Sexual violence: UN women organization throws light to understand sexual violence
as, Any act committed against the will of another person (woman), either when the
person does not give consent or when consent cannot be given because the person is
a child, has a mental disability, or is severely intoxicated or unconscious as a result
ofalcohol or drugs.

iii. Economic violence: Any kind of action result in harmful attack on the economic status
of women like taking the total control of all financial matters, taking power in
relationship, withhold money from the victim, conceal financial information,
claiming power in all financial dealing etc., Physical violence is the first step of
economic violence, thus the abuser create a fear and hold the victims under their
control.

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5.8.2 Reason for violence against women

Family restrictions, lack of education, socio-economic status, dowry pressure at in-

laws place, unemployment, childhood abuse by family members, addict of alcohol and other
substances, orthodox practice and social stigma are identified as reason for violence against
women.

5.9 Untouchability

Untouchability is the direct product of India’s Caste system affects people

irrespectiveof gender with a high risk rate to women. Untouchables are relegated to the
lowest jobs, and live in constant fear of being publicly humiliated, paraded naked, beaten,
and raped with impunity by upper-caste seeking to keep them suppresed. Merely walking
through an upper-caste neighborhood was treated as a life-threatening offense.

Sporadic incident of discriminating particular group of people in the name of caste is

certainly an obstacle for the growth and development of India. Many social reformers have
voiced out for years together. As an outcome India officially banned discrimination.

The 1950 National Constitution of India legally abolishes the practice of

“untouchability,”and there are constitutional reservations in both educational institutions and
public services forthe people discriminated in the name of caste. Social equity is the corner
stone of Indian Constitution. Disrespecting fellow citizens in the name discrimination is a
prime crime. In August,2002, United Nation set up a Committee for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination (UN CERD)at the world level and working with an intention to support the
victims of racial discrimination.

5.10 Female infanticide

Female infanticide is gender based violence exclusively ruins the life of girl children.
Kalloor (1990) defines female infanticide as killing of an entirely dependent child under “one
year of age” who is killed by mother, parents or others in whose care the child is entrusted”

In the notion of BBC, ‘‘Female infanticide is the deliberate killing of girl babies”. It is
also described as gender-selective killing or “gendercide”. (Similar words like ‘gynocide’ and
‘femicide’are used to describe the killing of females of any age.) Giving preference for male
birth is also a reason behind femicide. It is hard to accept the fact that increase of femicide

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lead to value crisis in the society and sexual assaults in the near future. The state and federal
government has initiated many schemes and act to ensure the safety of the girls in our
country.

5.11 Atrocities against women

One in three women in the world experience physical or sexual violence, mostly by
anintimate partner. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation. This kind
of immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences for women and girls
canbe devastating including death.
Violence negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from
fullyparticipating in society. It impacts their families, their community, and the country at
large. It has tremendous costs, from greater strains on health care to legal expenses and losses
in productivity.

UN Women Organization is initiating partnership with governments, UN agencies,

civilsociety organizations and other institutions to find ways to prevent violence against
women and girls, focusing on early education, respectful relationships, and working with
men and boys. According to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) atrocities against
women are high which include rape, kidnapping, dowry death, mental and physical torture,
molestation, sexual harassment and trafficking.

5.11.1 How to tackle them

1. Involving key sectors of the community like health, media, law enforcers, youth
organizations, NGOs, and Government departments together in tackling the atrocities
against women.
2. Educative factors like raising awareness from the school level and family need to speak
out frankly to ensure moral support.
3. Men should be raised up with clear understanding about opposite sex and cultivating
the manners to respect women is essential.
4. Enforcement of Law need to be implement with a core team of judiciary, police,
government and administration.
5. Impart moral and religious value in order to maintain a code of conduct.
6. Gender sensitization is must.

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