New Delhi, April 4 -Commemorating 75 years of the Constitution of India, the University of Delhi inaugurated its flagship initiative, Kartavyam, with a high-level conclave held at the historic Vice Regal Lodge of Delhi University.
The event marks the commencement of a year-long national initiative aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the concept of Kartavya (duty) in a modern democratic society. The programme is being launched in collaboration with 16 universities across India and neighbouring nations aspires to spark a nationwide civic and academic movement.
Kartavyam, derived from the Sanskrit word for duty, is envisioned as a transformative platform to reinvigorate public discourse on the role of individual and collective responsibility in sustaining democratic institutions and social harmony. Moving beyond the dominant focus on rights, the initiative seeks to promote civic consciousness and encourage ethical participation in the democratic process. Through lectures, dialogues, scholarly exchange, and community outreach, "Kartavyam" aims to cultivate a generation of citizens who are as mindful of their responsibilities as they are of their entitlements.
The inaugural conclave was graced by two distinguished jurists: Justice P. S. Narasimha, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and an alumnus of Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, who served as the Chief Guest, and Mr. R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India being the Guest of Honor.
In his keynote address, Justice Narasimha reflected on the intrinsic link between rights and Kartavya(Duty), noting that in many aspects of life, one naturally flows from the other. He emphasized the need to nurture civic awareness, particularly among students, to build a society grounded in constitutional morality. Quoting Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, principal architect of the Indian Constitution, he highlighted the vision of an “associated way of living” that promotes mutual respect and collective growth.
Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani delivered an insightful address on the cultural evolution of public responsibility in democratic societies. He called for a paradigm shift in civic thinking- one that harmonizes the assertion of rights with a renewed sense of shared kartavya(Duty). “Such a shift,” he said, “must draw strength from a deeper faith in constitutional values, interpreted not through a narrow lens but through an inclusive and forward-looking perspective.”
The conclave was attended by senior academic leadership, including Prof. Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Campus, University of Delhi; Prof. Anju Vali Tikoo, Dean, Faculty of Law. Professor Alka Chawla, Professor-in-Charge of Campus Law Centre and the Programme Director of Kartavyam Dr. Seema Singh all of whom affirmed their commitment to the long-term vision of Kartavyam.
Prof. Dr. Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Campus, quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, asserting: “The preservation of democracy lies not merely in the form of government, but in the habits of the people.” He emphasized that when people become habitually duty-bound, the preservation of democracy and protection of everyone’s rights naturally follow.
Prof. (Dr.) Alka Chawla, Professor-in-Charge, Campus Law Centre, emphasized that duties lie at the heart of Indian jurisprudence, and their observance ensures the protection of others' rights. She encapsulated the spirit of the event through the motto: “Duty, Dharma, and Sahi Direction Mein Karm”, remarking: “Kartavyam is not just an event, but a clarion call to action, a symphony of purpose, an odyssey of unwavering commitment.”
Dr. Seema Singh, Program Director and the conceptual force behind Kartavyam, traced her inspiration to the Vedic concept of Rit, or cosmic order, asserting the need for a shift from right-centric to duty-centric thinking. She envisioned the eventual emergence of a “Kartavyam School of Thought.”
The event also featured remarks by Prof. Anju Vali Tikkoo, Dean, Faculty of Law, who highlighted fraternity as the foundation of duty consciousness.
In the year ahead, Kartavyam will convene a series of national events, university collaborations, and public dialogues to advance its mission of civic renewal. As India reflects on 75 years of its constitutional journey, this initiative positions itself as a timely and vital contribution to democratic discourse- one that underscores the enduring relevance of Kartavya (duty) in shaping just, responsible, and resilient societies.