The Constitution of any country serves several purposes. It lays down certain ideals that form the basis of the kind of country that we as citizens aspire to live in.
A Constitution helps serve as a set of principles, rules, and procedures on which there is a consensus. These form the basis according to which the people want the country to be governed and the society to move on.
The Preamble to any Constitution is a brief introductory statement that conveys the guiding principles of the document. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution also does so. The values expressed in the Preamble are expressed as objectives of the Constitution.
These are sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, republican character of Indian State, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, human dignity, and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
Sovereignty: You may have read the Preamble. It declares India “a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic”. Being sovereign means having complete political freedom and being the supreme authority.
Socialism: You may be aware that social and economic inequalities have been inherent in Indian traditional society. This is why socialism has been made a constitutional value aimed at promoting social change and transformation to end all forms of inequalities.
Secularism: We all are pleased when anyone says that India is home to almost all major religions in the world. In the context of this plurality (means more than one or two; many), secularism is seen as a great constitutional value.
Democracy: The Preamble reflects democracy as a value. As a form of government, it derives its authority from the will of the people. The people elect the rulers of the country and the elected representatives remain accountable to the people.
Republic: India is not only a democratic nation but it is also a republic. The most important symbol of being a republic is the office of the Head of the State, i.e. the President who is elected and who is not selected on the basis of heredity, as is found in a system with the monarchy.
Justice: At times you may also realize that living in a democratic system alone does not ensure justice to citizens in all its totality. Even now we find a number of cases where not only social and economic justice but also political justice is denied.
Liberty: The Preamble prescribes liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship as one of the core values. These have to be assured to every member of all the communities.
Equality: Equality is a significant constitutional value as any other. The Constitution ensures equality of status and opportunity to every citizen for the development of the best in him/her.
Fraternity: There is also a commitment made in the Preamble to promote the value of fraternity that stands for the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India. In the absence of fraternity, a plural society like India stands divided.
The dignity of the individual: Promotion of fraternity is essential to realize the dignity of the individual. It is essential to secure the dignity of every individual without which democracy can not function.
Unity and integrity of the Nation: As we have seen above, the fraternity also promotes one of the critical values, i.e. unity and integrity of the nation. To maintain the independence of the country intact, the unity and integrity of the nation are very essential.
International peace and a just international order: The value of international peace and just international order, though not included in the Preamble is reflected in other provisions of the Constitution. The Indian Constitution directs the state
(a) to promote international peace and security,
(b) maintain just and honorable relations between nations,
(c) foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and
(d) encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.
To uphold and observe these values is in the interest of India. The peace and just international order will definitely contribute to the development of India.
Fundamental Duties: Our Constitution prescribes some duties be performed by the citizens. It is true that these duties are not enforceable in the court of law like the fundamental rights are, but these duties are to be performed by citizens.
