Question

Explain the following keywords used in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution: We, the people of India, sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Answer 1

Several key words have been used in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution:
(i) We, the people of India. The constitution has been drawn up and enacted by the people through their representatives, and not handed down to them by a king or any outside powers.

(ii) Sovereign. People have supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters. No external power can dictate the government of India.

(iii) Socialist. Wealth is generated socially and should be shared equally by society. Government should regulate the ownership of land and industry to reduce socio-economic inequalities.

(iv) Secular. Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion. But there is no official religion. Government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect.

(v) Democratic. A form of government where people enjoy equal political rights, elect their rulers and hold them accountable.

(vi) Republic. The head of the state is an elected person and not a hereditary position.

(vii) Justice. Citizens cannot be discriminated on the grounds of caste, religion and gender. Social inequalities have to be reduced.

(viii) Liberty. There are no unreasonable restrictions on the citizens in what they think, how they wish to express their thoughts and the way they wish to follow up their thoughts in action.

(ix) Equality. All are equal before the law. The government should ensure equal opportunity to all.

(x) Fraternity. All of us should behave as if we are members of the same family. No one should treat a fellow citizen as inferior.