The Preamble to the Indian Constitution is the introductory statement that embodies the philosophy, purpose, and guiding values of the Constitution. Adopted on November 26, 1949, it reflects India’s commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, serving as a beacon for governance and interpretation of constitutional provisions.

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• Preamble sets out source, nature, objectives, and adoption date of the Constitution
• Begins with “We, the people of India”, reflecting popular sovereignty
• Declares India as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic
• Aims to ensure Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
• Adopted on November 26, 1949; enforced from January 26, 1950 (Republic Day)
• 42nd Amendment (1976) added “Socialist” and “Secular” to the original text
• Used by Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation (Kesavananda Bharati case)
• Prem Behari Narain Raizada hand-wrote the Constitution in calligraphy
• Preamble’s page designed by Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, artwork led by Nandalal Bose
• Article 394 explains articles enforced immediately vs those from Jan 26, 1950