Preamble : 

In the beginning of every constitution, generally there is a Preamble. In this Preamble the fundamental objectives or goals of the constitution are mentioned. Its purpose is to make the ideas and objectives of the constitution clear so that in implementation of the constitution, these values can be kept in mind and put into practice.

Preamble of Indian constitution : 

“We the people of India solemnly resolve to constitute India into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic and 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 words socialist, secular, and integrity, given in this preamble, are added by 42nd constitutional amendment 1976).

Main elements of the Preamble : 

The explanation of the main elements of the Preamble is as follows :

I. “We the people” : 

These words in the preamble include three things: 

• The sovereignty finally vests with the people of India.
• The constitution has been made by the representatives elected by the people of India. 
• Indian constitution is an outcome of the will of the people of India.

II. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic : 

These words are the basic pillars of the preamble of India constitution. Their meaning is:

• Sovereign : 

India is a sovereign state. It means it is not subordinated to any foreign power regarding its internal and foreign affairs.

• Socialist : 

The word ‘Socialist’ was added by 42nd constitutional amendment. Under it, mixed economy has been adopted with a view to removing economic disparity and raising the standard of life of the backward and weaker sections of the society. 

• Secular : 

This word was added by the 42nd amendment in 1976. It means in the area ‘ of religion, India is neither against any religion nor does it promote any religion. There is no official religion in India. No citizen is discriminated on the basis of religion. 

•  Democratic : 

It means that the sovereign power of state is used by the elected representatives of the people who are accountable to the people. 

•  Republic : 

It means that the head of the state or sovereign person in India is not hereditary, but he/she is an elected representative.

III. Social, Economic and Political Justice : 

On the basis of these words, the goal of the constitution is explained in the preamble. 

• Social justice means all the citizens enjoy equality without discrimination. Citizens are not discriminated on the basis of religion, caste, gender, ethnicity or any other basis. 
• To establish economic justice in the society, the states have been asked to implement their policies in such a way that all the citizens have an equal right to secure the means of earning a living. 
•  All the citizens have equal opportunities and freedom to take part in political activities.

IV. Freedom, Equality and Fraternity : 

• Freedom : 

Freedom of speech, belief, faith and worship has been provided in the Indian constitution. 

• Equality : 

All the citizens have been provided the equality of opportunities and self respect in the constitution. 

• Fraternity : 

A pledge with a view to ensuring unity and integrity and increasing fraternity has been made in the preamble of the constitution.

V. Self respect of the Individual and Unity of the Nation : 

Our constitution makers were aware of the existing unity within the diverse elements of India. They wanted that our citizens should embrace the sense of unity in place of giving importance to regionalism, provincialism, lingualism and communalism. That’s why the ideal of fraternity is perched on two bases: 

•  Unity of India 
•  Self respect of the individual.

VI. Integrity : 

The word “integrity” has been included in the preamble by the 42nd constitutional amendment. The main aim of it is to ensure the unity and integrity of India.