The Preamble to the Constitution of India is a brief introductory statement that sets out the guiding principles and objectives of the constitution. It serves as a preface and provides insight into the philosophy and aspirations of the framers of the Indian Constitution. The Preamble was adopted along with the Constitution on January 26, 1950. It reads 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.”
Key elements in the Preamble include the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which reflect the commitment to creating a just and inclusive society. The terms “socialist,” “secular,” and “democratic” were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, further emphasizing the values and principles that guide the Indian Republic.
The Preamble encapsulates the core values and goals that the Indian Constitution seeks to achieve, and it serves as a source of inspiration for the interpretation and implementation of constitutional provisions.
