Mumbai, January 24: As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, the spotlight returns to the Preamble of the Constitution, the foundational document that serves as the "soul" of the Indian Republic. Adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and brought into force on January 26, 1950, the Preamble outlines the core values of the nation: Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. For citizens, this short yet powerful introduction remains the ultimate guide to India’s identity as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic.

The Preamble is not just a legal introduction but a commitment to ensure social, economic, and political justice for all its citizens. On Republic Day, as the nation displays its military and cultural strength, educators and legal experts emphasize the importance of revisiting these words to understand the rights and duties that come with being part of the world’s largest democracy. Republic Day 2026: How Is Republic Day Different From Independence Day.

A Look at the Values That Shape the Indian Constitution’s Preamble

At the heart of the Preamble is the promise of Justice. This is defined across three spheres: social, economic, and political. It ensures that the state works toward eliminating inequalities and providing equal opportunities to every individual, regardless of their background or status.

Complementing justice is the concept of Liberty. The Preamble guarantees the "Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship." This value ensures that every Indian has the freedom to live according to their own conscience, which remains a cornerstone of the nation's diverse and pluralistic society. Republic Day 2026: Who Are India's Chief Guests for the 77th Gantantra Diwas?

The Preamble further emphasises Equality, specifically "Equality of status and of opportunity." This principle aims to remove any discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender, promoting a society where merit and hard work are the primary drivers of success.

To bind these values together, the document highlights Fraternity. This seeks to promote a sense of brotherhood among all Indians, ensuring the "dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation." Experts note that fraternity is essential for maintaining peace in a country as culturally diverse as India.

Preamble: A Document of the People

A unique aspect of the Indian Preamble is that it begins with the phrase, "We, the People of India." This signifies that the ultimate power of the country resides with its citizens. It is the people who have given this Constitution to themselves, making every individual a stakeholder in the nation's progress.

As Republic Day festivities unfold across the country, reading the Preamble serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the freedom fighters and the visionary leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the drafting committee. It continues to be the light that guides the Indian judiciary and the legislature in upholding the spirit of democracy.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2026 09:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).