The Preamble

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution

Introduction

Harbouring a vast diversity of people and cultures, India is the world’s largest democracy. It was first correctly declared a Republic when officially drafted in 1950. Then, it was declared a presidential-style parliamentary federal republic, with a prime minister and a president with a cabinet of ministers and a judiciary in the Constitution.

The Constitution of India

The Constitution is a set of fundamental rules and principles to be upheld by a nation regarding governance. The Indian Constitution, officially drafted in 1950, is a handwritten, extremely elaborate document consisting of 395 Articles sorted under 8 schedules and 22 parts. In addition, it has 441 Articles and 12 schedules upon numerous amendments and additions and was mainly led by Dr B.R Ambedkar.

What Is The Preamble To The Constitution

Compared to the U.S.A. or Australia constitutions, the Indian Constitution has a proper, solid and elaborate preamble. The Preamble briefs us about the basis for the Constitution and its ultimate sanctions. It’s something that gives a sense of direction to the Constitution. Its purposes are as follows:

• It contains the enacting clause that brings the Constitution into action
• It also represents the source of the Constitution which is nothing but the People of India
• It declares the rights and freedoms of all the citizens of the nation
• It also describes the type of polity and government to be implemented in the nation

The Complete Statement Of The Preamble Is As Follows

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly 

resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN 

SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and 

to secure to all its citizens: 

JUSTICE, social, economic and political; 

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; 

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; 

and to promote among them all 

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-

sixth day of November 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, 

ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS 

CONSTITUTION.

Meaning of the Preamble

Now let us see what each word in the Preamble stands for –

• “Sovereign”: this signifies that India is an independent state, i.e., it is neither a dominion of any nation nor a dependence
• “Socialist”: this term was added to the Preamble in the Constitution during its 42nd Amendment in 1976. It signifies that the nation aims to end inequality of opportunities and encourage nationalisation of all means of production
• “Secular”: this term too was added to the Preamble in the Constitution during its 42nd Amendment in 1976. It signifies the equal status of all religions in the country
• “Democratic”: This term signifies the dominance of power of people, i.e., the people of the nation possess the supreme power
• “Republic”: This signifies that our nation shall have a head elected by the people known as the President, for a term of 5 years.
• “Justice”: this signifies equal treatment privileges to all the nation’s citizens in all its social, economic, and political mediums.
• “Liberty”: this signifies the freedom of thought, expression, faith, and belief to all the citizens
• “Equality”: this signifies the absence of discrimination and equality in treatment and opportunities of all people irrespective of their caste, religion, etc. 
• “Fraternity”: this signifies the existence of brotherhood among the nation’s people and harmony. 

Conclusion

Hope this article on the Preamble of the Indian constitution gives the students a clear insight and understanding. In this article, one can see how the Preamble, in short, represents India’s Constitution and the significance of its various constituent terms.