As we watch the tricolour hoisted and waving against the January sky on Republic Day 2026, marking India's 77th year as a sovereign republic, the air fills with patriotic fervour, and our hearts swell up with pride and joy.  
 
The number 77 does seem quite dated, and yet in a democracy as vibrant as ours, why are fundamental rights treated like forgotten relics? This is the irony we will be addressing as you continue reading.  

 
This year, celebrations echo the powerful theme of Vande Mataram, honouring our national song and the spirit of self-reliance. An arm's-length parade, perfectly orchestrated on Kartavya Path, showcases cultural exchange, military precision, and inspiring flypasts, reminding us of the day in 1950 when our Constitution came into force. 

 

But beyond the celebration lies a deeper story. The constitution was formed after several conversations, discussions, and consensus in a room filled with modernists and extremists.  The rights we enjoy today were carefully curated, keeping in mind the optimistic future India was about to embark on when freedom was granted.   

 

How Do We Understand The Pillars of Our Freedom? 

Our Constitution, often called the longest written constitution in the world, enshrines six Fundamental Rights in Part III (Articles 12-35). These aren't mere words; they're actionable guarantees for justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.  

Here’s a clear breakdown: 

 

• Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Ensures equal protection under the law, prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. 

• Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Includes freedom of speech, assembly, movement, and profession, plus protection from arbitrary arrest. 

• Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Bans forced labor, trafficking, and child labor. 

• Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Allows free practice and propagation of faith. 

• Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protect minorities' languages, scripts, and cultures. 

• Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): The "heart and soul" of the Constitution, letting us approach courts to enforce these rights. 
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Yet, awareness remains low. Rights literacy, knowing and understanding these entitlements, is key to turning them into everyday tools. 

 

Why Safeguarding Mental Health and Safety Matters?  

In 2026, with mental health challenges affecting millions, research states that about 11 in 100 Indians face disorders, contributing to high disability-adjusted life years, and our rights take on new urgency.  
 
Mental health breakdowns, unsafe streets, and silent discriminations plague us daily, yet we celebrate a Constitution that's meant to arm us against them. This year, marking our 77th Republic Day on January 26, it's time to stop the charade and start fighting back with knowledge and action 

 

The Supreme Court has linked mental well-being to the Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21), including dignity and a stress-free environment. Initiatives like Tele MANAS, handling over 1.8 million calls by early 2025, show progress, but gaps persist. 

 

Safety awareness aligns perfectly here: 

• The Right to Privacy (under Article 21) protects against cyber threats and harassment. 

• Right against Exploitation shields vulnerable groups from unsafe conditions. 

• Ongoing campaigns, like National Road Safety Month in January 2026, emphasize helmet use and responsible driving to prevent accidents. 

 

What Are The Practical Steps for Everyday Empowerment? 

To make rights work for us: 

• Build Literacy: Read the Constitution, join community programs, or use apps from Legal Services Authorities. 

• Apply in Daily Life: Report violations via helplines (e.g., women's safety: 1091; mental health: Tele MANAS 14416). 

• Advocate Collectively: Support campaigns for better mental health access and road safety. 

• Educate the Next Generation: Schools integrating rights education foster a safer, mentally resilient society. 

 

At iDare, we champion safety awareness, provide legal advice, and promote abuse counselling and mental health through workshops and stories.  

We believe empowered individuals build a stronger nation where rights aren't just celebrated on Republic Day, but lived every day. 

This Republic Day, let's pledge to know our rights, use them wisely, and dare to create a safer, healthier India. Jai Hind.  

 

Image Credits: Pexels