“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 26th day of November, 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.”
We dedicate ourselves to the task of framing a government based on the following foundational principles and values:
Sovereign: India shall be a fully independent nation with complete control over its internal and external affairs, free from external interference or control. India will make decisions concerning its land, people, resources, and policies independently.
Socialist: We pledge to work towards the equitable distribution of wealth and resources, ensuring that the benefits of growth and development reach all sections of society. The aim is to reduce social inequality, ensure social justice, and ensure economic rights to the people, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged.
Secular: The state shall not recognize or support any particular religion. Every individual will be free to follow, practice, and propagate any religion of their choice, ensuring a society that respects religious diversity and promotes harmony among various religious communities.
Democratic: India shall uphold the principle of democracy, where the government is elected by the people, for the people, and of the people. The government shall function on the principle of popular sovereignty, ensuring that political power is vested in the hands of the citizens.
Republic: The head of the state shall be elected, and not a hereditary monarch, ensuring that power remains with the people and does not pass on through lineage. The Constitution guarantees equality and justice for all, irrespective of caste, creed, or social standing.
We, the people of India, through the adoption of this Constitution, seek to secure:
Justice:
Social Justice: To eliminate discrimination on the basis of caste, gender, religion, or race, and ensure that all citizens, especially the downtrodden, enjoy equality before the law and the benefits of a just society.
Economic Justice: To strive for economic equity through a fair and just economic system that promotes public welfare and welfare measures for the disadvantaged.
Political Justice: To enable every citizen to participate equally in political processes, free from discrimination and coercion.
Liberty: To secure the liberty of the individual in the following aspects:
Liberty of Thought: Freedom to hold and express opinions without any fear of reprisal.
Liberty of Expression: The freedom to express one’s ideas and beliefs through speech, writing, and other forms of communication.
Liberty of Belief: The freedom to adopt, practice, and propagate any religion, philosophy, or worldview.
Liberty of Faith and Worship: The right to follow one’s religious practices and engage in acts of worship freely and peacefully.
Equality: To provide every citizen with equal opportunities and access to resources, ensuring that no one is discriminated against on the basis of their background, and that every individual has the opportunity to lead a life of dignity.
Equality of Status: Ensuring that all citizens are treated as equals before the law, irrespective of their socio-economic background, religion, or ethnicity.
Equality of Opportunity: Providing equal opportunities for all citizens in education, employment, and participation in public life.
Fraternity: To promote a spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and mutual respect among all the citizens of India, transcending all barriers of language, religion, region, and culture. We aim to foster:
Dignity of the Individual: Ensuring that every individual is treated with respect, their rights are protected, and their dignity is maintained in all spheres of life.
Unity and Integrity of the Nation: To preserve and strengthen the unity of the Indian republic, safeguarding the interests of every citizen, and ensuring that India remains an indivisible nation.
By solemnly adopting this Constitution, we, the people of India, declare that this document is a true expression of our aspirations, our values, and our commitment to building a fair, just, and harmonious society. In doing so, we pledge our loyalty to the Constitution and dedicate ourselves to the service of the nation, confident in the belief that its principles will guide the future of our republic.”