Meaning and Significance:

A written constitution invariably starts with a preamble. A preamble describes the philosophy of the constitution. It states the ideals, goals and objectives of the constitution. A preamble is a preface to the constitution.

The Preamble of the Constitution of India reads:

“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:

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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; fraternily 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.”

Significance:

The Preamble of the Constitution of India is a unique piece of document. It embodies the most important values and objectives of our constitution. It is the soul and spirit of the constitution. It briefly but succinctly states what our political leaders and Constitutional Fathers wanted India to be. The Preamble is the mirror of India’s Constitution. It is the yardstick with which one can judge the constitution.

We, the People of India”:

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The Preamble starts with the words, “we, the people of India.” These words have immense constitutional and political significance. They say that the people are the source of the constitution: it is the people of India who are the makers of the constitution. It is also implied that there is popular sovereignty in India.