The Introduction outlines the core philosophy of the Constitution and serves as an introductory statement emphasizing the main guiding principles. It acts as a concise declaration of the essential tenets of the Constitution. Numerous values that motivated and guided India’s fight for independence were also cultivated by this struggle, and these values establish the basis of Indian democracy. These principles were incorporated into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. 

Text of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution

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 twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

Date of Adoption and Commencement of the Indian Constitution

• Date of adoption: The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949. However, most of its articles became effective on January 26, 1950. Article 394 outlines the specific articles that came into effect on November 26, 1949, which included Article 394 itself along with Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 367, 379, 380, 388, 391, 392, and 393.

• Date of commencement: The remaining articles of the Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. This date is known as the commencement of the Constitution. 

Components of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution

The Preamble contains four components: 

• Source of authority: The Preamble asserts that the Constitution is founded upon the authority of the people of India.
• Nature of Indian State: It proclaims India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, and republican nation. 
• Objectives of the Constitution: It delineates justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as its guiding objectives. 
• Date of adoption of the Constitution: It specifies that November 26th, 1949, is the formal date of acceptance.

Source of the authority in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution

We, the people of India.

• Meaning: This phrase signifies that the constitution has been created and adopted by the people through their elected representatives, rather than being imposed by a monarch or foreign entities.
• Collective will of people: The aforementioned words indicate that the Indian populace is the wellspring of authority for the Constitution. “We the people” also highlights that the Preamble and the Constitution stem from the collective will of the people, not solely from the founders. 
• Court Judgment: In the case of Madan Gopal Kabra vs. Union of India (1953), the Supreme Court referenced the term “We the people” and stated that the Constitution’s authority comes from the citizens.