What is the Preamble?

It is a the window to the Constitution of India. It is a brief introduction to the Constitution. • It presents the principles
of the Indian Constitution. It is a guide to the people. It tells the source and authority of the Indian Constitution.

It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly (C.A.) on January 22,1947.

• The date on the Preamble is November 26,1949.

It came into effect on January 26,1950 which is celebrated as Republic Day.

Objective of Preamble

The objectives, which are laid down in the Preamble, are:

1. Description of Indian State as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic,republic

SOVEREIGN
• India is a Sovereign State.Sovereignty means that the Indian State is free to take decisions, internally as well as
externally
SOCIALIST
This word was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. It means that wealth should be shared equally by all the
citizens. There should be distributive justice.
SECULAR
• India is a secular State where all the religions are treated equal. This word was also added by the 42nd
Amendment in 1976. It means there is no State religion.
DEMOCRATIC
It means that the people of India elect their own representatives through free and fair elections that are held a
fixed intervals. The citizens elect their representatives by the system of Universal Adult Franchise."
REPUBLIC
Republic means when the people of India elect the Head of the State directly or indirectly for a fixed tenure.India
has a President who is elected indirectly by the people of the State.

2. Provision to all the citizens of India i.c.. a) Justice social,

b) Liberty

c) Equality of status and opportunity

d) Fraternity

JUSTICE

The Preamble says that there should be Social, Economic and Political Justice. Social Justice- The Constitution desires
to build a society without any discrimination

. EQUALITY

It means that everybody is equal before law. No section of the society can have special privileges.

LIBERTY

People have the freedom to have their own political views. The people of India have the freedom to choose their way
of life and their behavior.

FRATERNITY

Fraternity means brotherhood. It means when the people live together in harmony. • There should be no ill will
rather a feeling of love and affection

Conclusion

• The Preamble is the key to the Constitution of India. • The concepts of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were
adopted from the French Motto of the French Revolution.