“Preamble is the manifestation of basic fundamental values and philosophy on which the entire Constitution of India has been built”.
Answer
The Preamble contains the ideals, objectives and basic principles of the Constitution.
It reveals:
- Source of authority (people of India)
- Nature of Indian State
- Objectives of the Constitution
- Date of adoption (26th November 1949)
The basic fundamental values and principles in the Preamble are:
- Sovereignty: no external/internal power can dictate the government of India. (Article 51A)
- Socialist: commitment to attain ideals like removal of inequalities. (DPSP)
- Secularism: all religions have the same status. (Article 25)
- Democratic: government of the people, by the people and for the people. (Article 326)
- Republic: the head of the state is an elected person and not a hereditary position.
- Justice: bring about social, economic and political justice.
- Liberty: freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.
- Equality: of status and of opportunity. (Article 14,15,16)
- Fraternity: assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
The Preamble serves as a guiding light for the Constitution and to the other organs of the government.