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Preamble to the Constitution of India (Sanvidhan)

National Constitution Preamble

The Preamble serves as a brief introductory statement of the Constitution that sets out the guiding purpose, principles, and philosophy of the Indian Nation. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic, committed to securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all its citizens.

📋 Key Facts

Drafted By
Constituent Assembly of India (Based on Jawaharlal Nehru's Objectives Resolution)
Adopted
1949-11-26
Effective Date
1950-01-26
Calligrapher
Prem Behari Narain Raizada
Chief artist
Beohar Rammanohar Sinha
Amendments
42nd Amendment Act (1976) added 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'

📜 Full Text

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.

💡 Core Concepts

Sovereign

India is an independent country, and no external power can dictate its internal or external policies.

Socialist

Commitment to ending poverty, ignorance, disease, and inequality of opportunity through democratic means.

Secular

The state has no official religion. All religions command equal respect and protection from the state.

Democratic

The government gets its authority from the will of the people, expressed through regular elections.

Republic

The head of the state is elected by the people directly or indirectly, not a hereditary monarch.

Justice

Fair treatment in society, economy, and politics without discrimination.

Liberty

Freedom for people to choose their way of life, have political views, and behavior in society.

Equality

All individuals have equal privileges and opportunities without any discrimination.

Fraternity

A feeling of brotherhood and an emotional attachment with the country and all its people.

📚 Historical Context

The Preamble is based on the 'Objectives Resolution' drafted and moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. It was amended only once, during the Emergency in 1976 by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, which added three new words: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity. The original manuscript of the Constitution was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and beautifully decorated by artists from Shantiniketan, including Beohar Rammanohar Sinha who illuminated the Preamble page.

📏 Rules & Etiquette

  • • Reading the Preamble is an integral part of celebrating Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) on November 26th every year.
  • • In school assemblies, the Preamble is often read to instill constitutional values and civic duties among students.
  • • It should be read clearly, with pauses to emphasize the core democratic principles (Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
  • • While there is no formal physical posture mandated by law like the National Anthem, it is customary to stand respectfully when it is formally recited in an assembly.
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