The Indian Constitution begins with a Preamble, a special feature. This practice, first introduced in the American Constitution, has been followed by many countries.
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The preamble itself clearly states the key elements of the Constitution, the nation’s goals, and the rights of its citizens. Eminent jurist N.A. Palkhivala described it as the “identity card of the Constitution.”
On December 13, 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru presented the objectives, ideals, and resolutions in the Constituent Assembly. Later, on January 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly officially adopted this preamble. These objectives and resolutions are regarded as a sacred pledge given to the people of India. In 1976, through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, three words namely, Socialist, Secular, Integrity were added.
The preamble has many other names:
Preface of the Constitution,
Prologue of the Constitution,
Foreword of the Constitution,
Introduction to the Constitution,
Foundation of the Constitution,
Philosophy of the Constitution.
These names help us understand the preamble from different perspectives.
The present text 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, doHEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION”.
The preamble contains four main elements:
1. Source of authority of the Constitution: Authority is derived from the people.
2. Nature of the Indian State: Declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
3. Objectives of the State: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
4. Date of adoption: November 26, 1949.
The key words in the preamble – Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity – remind every Indian that this is not just a preface, but a guiding light for the nation. Each word is a promise; each sentence a responsibility.
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