The Preamble to the Constitution of India is one of the most crucial elements of the Indian legal framework. It outlines the principles, values, and vision that the founding fathers had while drafting the Constitution. It serves as an introduction to the Constitution and reflects the aspirations of the people of India.
Importance of the Preamble
The Preamble acts as a guiding principle for interpreting the provisions of the Constitution. It clarifies the objective of the Constitution and serves as a beacon for the government and judiciary in governance. It mentions ideals like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, ensuring the Indian state upholds the rights of its citizens while maintaining harmony.
The Preamble in English
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.
The Preamble in Hindi (संविधान की प्रस्तावना)
हम, भारत के लोग,
भारत को एक सम्प्रभु समाजवादी धर्मनिरपेक्ष लोकतंत्रात्मक गणराज्य बनाने के लिए, तथा उसके समस्त नागरिकों को:
सामाजिक, आर्थिक और राजनीतिक न्याय;
विचार, अभिव्यक्ति, विश्वास, धर्म और उपासना की स्वतंत्रता;
स्थिति और अवसर की समानता प्राप्त कराने के लिए,
और उन सब में व्यक्ति की गरिमा और राष्ट्र की एकता और अखंडता सुनिश्चित करने वाली बंधुता बढ़ाने के लिए,
संकल्पपूर्वक 26 नवम्बर, 1949 ईस्वी को इस संविधान सभा में
विधिवत अधिनियमित और आत्मार्पित करते हैं।
Significance of the Values in the Preamble
- Sovereign: India is free from external control and makes its own decisions in all matters.
- Socialist: Emphasizes a system that seeks to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor by promoting social and economic equality.
- Secular: Ensures that the state treats all religions equally and does not favor any religion.
- Democratic: Power is vested in the hands of the people through elections and the right to choose their leaders.
- Republic: The head of the state is elected by the people and is not a hereditary monarch.
Conclusion
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution embodies the essence of democracy, equality, and justice. It inspires both the citizens and the government to work towards these ideals. By understanding and reflecting on the Preamble, we appreciate the core values that shape the nation, guiding it towards a more just and inclusive society.