Anca Verma Calls for Duty, Patriotism and Responsible Citizenship at Centre for NaMo Studies Seminar

New Delhi August 13, 2026: “The Constitution tells us what the Republic owes to its citizens. Dharma reminds us to also ask what we owe to the Republic, to society, and to future generations,” said Anca Verma, Managing Trustee, Shrikant Verma Trust, while highlighting the philosophical connection between India’s constitutional values and its civilisational idea of Dharma. Verma was speaking as a Chief Guest at a National Seminar on “Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties” organised by the Centre for NaMo Studies (CNMS) in collaboration with the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, MoSJE, Government of India, at DAIC Janpath, New Delhi, under the “NaMo Viksit Bharat Samvad” series as India marks 80 years of Independence.

She described Dharma as a principle of duty, responsibility, righteous conduct and maintaining social order, and said that while modern India is governed by the Constitution, the idea that rights must be accompanied by responsibilities has a meaningful philosophical continuity with India’s civilisational thought.

Chief Guest Mrs Anca Verma said patriotism is not limited to waving the national flag but is reflected in performing one’s duties honestly, respecting those who serve and defend the nation, preserving culture and teaching children to be proud of India.

Addressing the younger generation, she said India is young, ambitious and increasingly confident on the global stage, but stressed that success must come with responsibility.

“Young Indians should not only ask, ‘What can I achieve?’ They should also ask, ‘What can I contribute to India?’” she said.

She stated that great nations are built not only by governments or leaders but also by disciplined families, dedicated teachers, brave soldiers, hardworking farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, scientists and responsible citizens.

The seminar featured two thematic sessions focusing on “Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties” and “Har Ghar Tiranga: Inspiring Gen-Z to Uphold the Spirit of 80 Years of Independence.” The first session examined constitutional values, Fundamental Duties and responsible citizenship, while the second highlighted the Tiranga as a symbol of national pride and unity and explored how Generation Z can carry forward the spirit and legacy of India’s Independence.

Dr. Vinod K. Verma, President, GCA, Aditya Birla Group as Guest of Honour and stressed that constitutional values must be reflected in the conduct of every citizen. “The true strength of our Constitution lies in how deeply its values are understood, respected and practised in our everyday lives,” he said.

He emphasised that India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation requires active participation from citizens, particularly the younger generation. “Development is not only about economic progress; it is also about building a society rooted in dignity, discipline, inclusiveness and respect for the constitutional framework,” he said.

Col. Akash Patil, Director, DAIC, shared an expert perspective on “Har Ghar Tiranga” and highlighted the Tiranga as a symbol of India’s unity, pride, sacrifice and collective identity.

Prof. Jasim Mohammad, Chairman, CNMS, and Convenor, NaMo Viksit Bharat Samvad praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying his vision of a developed, self-reliant and inclusive India has given renewed impetus to the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.

The programme also featured remarks by Guests of Honour Dr Dinesh Dubey, Editor-in-Chief, The Emerging World Daily, Dr Md Shams Equbal, Director NCPUL, Ministry of Education, Mr Feroz Khan Ghazi, Secretary General, South Asian Minorities Lawyers Association. Dr Amna Mirza, Associate Professor, University of Delhi, moderated the discussion.

The seminar also witnessed the release of Beyond the Brief: Jurisprudential Shifts in the Apex Court, authored by Dr. Anu Bhuvanachandran, with a Foreword by Justice Shri B. R. Gavai. The book has been published by the Centre for NaMo Studies.

The programme began with introductory remarks by Prof. Jasim Mohammad, while Mr Jawaid Rahmani delivered the welcome address and Ms Tushita Bhandari proposed the vote of thanks.