Meaning & Significance of Preamble

  The unfurling of the National flag was accompanied by the national anthem and pledge over narrations of the Preamble. This was followed by patriotic speeches, cultural programs, prize distribution.

As we all celebrate 71th Republic Day on 26th January 2020, let’s reiterate in our heart and mind the preamble-- The Introduction to the Indian Constitution.

In the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar-- one of the architects of the Indian constitution, “Preamble is a way of life which recognizes liberty, equality, fraternity as the principles of life and which cannot be divorced from each other.”

The Preamble states:

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 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 OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

The significance of the Preamble lies in its components.

• The terms sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic suggests the nature of Indian states.
• The ideals of equality, liberty, justice reflect the objectives of the constitution for the people of the nation.
• The Preamble promotes fraternity for maintaining the unity and integrity of the nation.
• The Preamble also bears the date (26 November 1949) on which the constitution was adopted.

On 26th January 1950, the constitution of India came into effect, on which Republic Day is celebrated. However, if you are asking, why do we celebrate republic day? This day marks India’s transition towards being an Independent nation; hence the day needs to be celebrated with full patriotism and honor.

Explaining the keywords in the Preamble:

Sovereign: The word “Sovereign” means India is an independent nation and the Legislature Of Indian has the power to enact laws in the country.

Socialist: The word “Socialist” was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. Socialism means the achievement of socialist ends through democratic ways.

Secular: The term “Secular” means that all religions that equal respect, protection, and support from the state.

Democratic:“Democratic” indicates the Constitution established a form of government which is by the people, for the people, and of the people.

Republic: In a Republic state, the head of the state is elected either directly or indirectly by the people.

Justice: The expression “Justice” embraces three forms: social, economic, and political through provisions of Fundamental and Directive principles.

Liberty: The word “Liberty” means the liberty of expression, thought, faith, belief, and worship. It also provides freedom from slavery, discrimination, despotism.

Equality: The word “Equality” provides equal status and opportunities to all the citizens and people of the country.

Fraternity: “Fraternity” means a feeling of brotherhood. The Preamble urges the people to assure the dignity of the individual and unity, the integrity of the nation.

Thus the Preamble to the Constitution of Independent India beautifully reflects the vision of the founding fathers of the Constitution.

Jai Hind