The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect from 26 January 1950, in honour of the declaration of complete independence by the Indian National Congress on 26 January 1929. The Preamble forms the very first words of the Constitution of India, and provides its essential objectives and the fundamental basis of its authority.
~—~
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a
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 Constitution, therefore, derives its authority from the people of the country, through the then elected representatives in the Constituent Assembly. The Preamble goes on to lay down the following guiding principles for the country, many of which are further discussed in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy:
1. Sovereign
India is an independent State, not subject to the will of any other authority or external power.
2. Socialist
This term was added by the 42nd Amendment. According to this word, India is focused on the welfare of the people - the government is supposed to ensure that the resources are not concentrated in the hands of few but used to ensure socioeconomic equity.
3. Secular
India does not have a state religion. Also introduced by the 42nd Amendment, this word signifies that all religions are equal and all Indians are allowed to practice whichever they wish, without interference from the State.
4. Democratic
By including this word, the Constitution declares universal suffrage for the people of India, where every citizen can participate in the election of the government (unless expressly barred by law).
5. Republic
India has an elected head of state. The term "republic" signifies that the affairs of the country are public matters to be decided by a representative chosen by the people.
6. Justice
Every person in India is entitled to social, economic, and political rights and has the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of any differences in their social, economic, or political positions or preferences.
7. Liberty
Everyone in India is free - free to think, express, and do whatever they want to, subject to the reasonable restrictions contained in the Constitution itself.
8. Equality
All people in India are equal before the law and are entitled to equality of opportunity without discrimination.
9. Fraternity
The Constitution aims to promote a feeling of mutual respect among the people of India and ensure that they work together for the shared interests of the nation, and not for individual interests or interests aligned to one group, region, or community, at the cost of another, thereby working against the larger interests of the nation.
 |
| The original text of the Preamble (1949) |
No comments:
Post a Comment