What is Preamble? The preamble to the Indian Constitution is an introductory statement. It contains the crux of the constitution. As per Thakurdas Bhargav, the preamble of India is the soul of the constitution while K M Munshi says, the preamble of India is the Political Horoscope of the constitution.
In most simplest way, we can say that the preamble to the Indian Constitution explains the key objectives of it while expressing its philosophy.
Preamble of Indian Constitution
The preamble of the Indian Constitution is based on the “Objectives Resolution” drafted by Pandit Nehru. It has been amended by parliament through 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. In its present form, the Preamble reads:
“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”
Preamble of Indian Constitution – Words you must know
If you want to understand the philosophy of our constitutions, you must focus on certain keywords that are given in our preamble. These words define the character of India as a country and are explained below.
Sovereign – The world “sovereign” is the first manifestation of the India being an Independent country. The preamble says that we resolve to constitute a sovereign country which implies that there is no authority above it and ot is free to conduct its internal as well as external affairs.
It should be noted that India being a part of the Commonwealth of Nations or United Nations or any other multilateral organization does not affect its constitutional sovereignty.
And, India, being an independent sovereign country can acquire a foreign country or cede a part of its own territory in favor of foreign state.
Socialist – The word “Socialist” was added to the Indian preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act. But, even before the world was added to the preamble, the constitution had the socialist character as manifestation by the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Is the Indian Socialist slimier to state socialism?
No, the Indian Constitution doesn’t condone the communist notion of socialism. Rather, the Indian socialism is blend of Gandhian socialism and Marxist socialism and is more inclined towards Gandhian socialism.
The Indian socialism is democratic socialism as against the state socialism.
Secular – The 42nd Amendment Act added the term “Secular” which means that the state does not follow any particular religion. However, it accepts the coexistence of all religions in the country. The secular nature of India is inspired from the Gandhian view – “Sarva Dharma Sambhav” which implies the coexistence and harmony of different religions.
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Also read: Emergency provisions in Indian Constitution
