Preamble to the Constitution of India by Prema Nagale

Seminar on

The Preamble to the Constitution of India

Presented by

Nagale Prema Narsingrao

Lecturer in Political Science

Bi Bi Raza College for Women’s

Gulbarga

1.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Implications

Conclusion

References.

2.

INTRODUCTION

The Preamble is a preface to the Constitution.

It embodies the spirit and philosophy of the Indian Constitution.

3.

The text of the Preamble is as follows:-

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 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 26th day of November 1949 DO HEREBY ADOPT ,ENACT AND TO GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”

4.

IMPLICATIONS:

1. WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA :-

The above line indicates that the Constitution is enforced,enacted and dedicated in the name of the people.

2. SOVEREIGN :

Preamble declares India as Sovereign when it enjoys supreme and absolute power, both Internally and Externally.

5.

3. SOCIALISTIC and SECULAR:-

Part lV of the Constitution dealing with Directive Principles are intended to bring about a socialistic pattern of society. Similarly articles 25 to 28 establish a secular state in India.

4. DEMOCRATIC and REPUBLIC :-

Democratic government: Under this there will be a representative government, and the rulers will be choosen by the voters. There is a rule by ballot and not by bullet.

The word ‘Republic’ upholds the principle that the head of the state i.e the President should be an elected one.

6.

5. JUSTICE:-

All are equal in the eyes of the law. Justice may be of 3 types.

Social, Economic and Political

Social

It leads to a list of ideals. Discrimination on any ground such as caste, race, religion etc

Economic

Provides equal opportunities in employment and education to one and all. Pandit Nehru once said “ The first task of this assembly is to free India through a Constitution to feed the starving people, to clothe the naked masses, and to give every Indian the fullest opportunity to his capacity”

Political It has been provided to the people by adopting democracy as way of life and form of government

7.

6. LIBERTY

It is given in the form of Fundamental Rights.

7. Equality

Liberty without Equality is like an empty vessel without water. It means equality of status and opportunity .

8. FRATERNITY

It ensures dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. It means common feeling of brotherhood.

8.

CONCLUSION

The Preamble does not have any legal value. The real value of Preamble lies in its psychological appeal because it contains words surcharged with emotions – Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Pandit Thakurdas Bhargava described Preamble ,

“as the most gracious part of the constitution,soul of the constitution, key to the constitution and as a superb prose poem”.

9.

Gravenille Austin says that the Indian Constitution is a social document.

The Preamble has sought to establish what Mahatma Gandhi described as, “India of my dreams.”

10.

REFERENCES

The Constitution of India – Dr S. H. Kavante.

The Constitution of India – M. V. Pylee.

The Constitution of India – S. A. Palekar .

Indian Government and Politics – D. C. Gupta.

Indian Government and Politics – F. D. Vakil and K.H. Shivajirao

11.

THANK YOU