The foundation of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic was laid down through a series of pivotal documents during the formative years of its independence.
Two of these foundational texts, Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objective Resolution and the Preamble to the Constitution of India, reflect the aspirations and principles that shaped the nation.
This article aims to provide a comparative analysis of these two key documents, exploring their similarities, differences, and the impact they have had on shaping the identity of the Indian Republic.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objective Resolution
Jawaharlal Nehru, as the first Prime Minister of independent India, presented the Objective Resolution on December 13, 1946, in the Constituent Assembly.
This resolution laid the groundwork for the principles that would guide the framing of the Indian Constitution.
It envisioned a sovereign, democratic, and egalitarian India committed to social justice and the welfare of its citizens.
The Objective Resolution emphasized the establishment of a democratic government based on adult suffrage, ensuring political representation for all.
It also recognized the need for social and economic justice, pledging to eliminate poverty and reduce economic disparities.
The resolution envisioned a united India where religious and linguistic diversities were celebrated rather than divisive. given below is the text of objective resolution.
“(1) This Constituent Assembly declares its firm and solemn resolve to proclaim India as an Independent Sovereign Republic and to draw up for her future governance a Constitution;
(2) WHEREIN the territories that now comprise British India, the territories that now form the Indian States, and such other parts of India as are outside British India and the States as well as such other territories as are willing to be constituted into the Independent Sovereign India, shall be a Union of them all; and
(3) WHEREIN the said territories, whether with their present boundaries or with such others as may be determined by the Constituent Assembly and thereafter according to the Law of the Constitution, shall possess and retain the status of autonomous Units, together with residuary powers, and exercise all powers and functions of government and administration, save and except such powers and functions as are vested in or assigned to the Union, or as are inherent or implied in the Union or resulting therefrom; and
(4) WHEREIN all power and authority of the Sovereign Independent India, its constituent parts and organs of government, are derived from the people; and
(5) WHEREIN shall be guaranteed and secured to all the people of India justice, social, economic and political; equality of status, of opportunity, and before the law; freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith worship, vocation, association and action, subject to law and public morality; and
(6) WHEREIN adequate safeguards shall be provided for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes; and
(7) WHEREBY shall be maintained the integrity of the territory of the Republic and its sovereign rights on land, sea, and air according to Justice and the law of civilised nations, and
(8) this ancient land attains its rightful and honoured place in the world and make its full and willing contribution to the promotion of world peace and the welfare of mankind
The Preamble to the Constitution of India
The Preamble to the Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, serves as a concise yet profound summary of the guiding principles and objectives of the Indian Republic.
It begins with the iconic words, “We, the people of India,” affirming the collective will of the citizens to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
The Preamble outlines the core values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, encapsulating the spirit of the Constitution.
It reflects the commitment to securing social, economic, and political justice for all citizens and fostering a sense of brotherhood among the diverse people of India. given below is the text of the preamble to the Constitution of India.
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.
Comparative Analysis
Sovereignty
- Objective Resolution: The Objective Resolution emphasizes the concept of sovereignty within a democratic framework, ensuring that the power of the state is derived from the people.
- Preamble: The Preamble reinforces the idea of India as a sovereign nation, where political authority resides with the people, and the government functions on their behalf.
Democracy
- Objective Resolution: Nehru’s resolution underscores the importance of a democratic form of government with adult suffrage, ensuring that every citizen has the right to participate in the political process.
- Preamble: The Preamble explicitly mentions India as a democratic republic, highlighting the commitment to democratic principles, which include free and fair elections, political representation, and the protection of individual rights.
Social and Economic Justice
- Objective Resolution: Nehru’s vision prioritizes social and economic justice, aiming to eliminate poverty and reduce economic inequalities through state intervention and welfare policies. It explicitly provides that adequate safeguards shall be provided for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes
- Preamble: The Preamble echoes the commitment to securing justice, both social and economic, suggesting an inclusive approach to development that benefits all sections of society. However it omits the sentence on adequate save gods from minorities tribals and backward classes.
Nature of Polity
Where is the objective resolution explicitly provides for autonomous states and territories with residuary powers but the preamble does not talk about the nature of union or federalism and simply says that India shall be a sovereign socialist secular and democratic republic.
Secularism
- Objective Resolution: While the Objective Resolution does not explicitly mention secularism, it emphasizes the idea of a united and inclusive India, accommodating religious and linguistic diversities.
- Preamble: The Preamble explicitly declares India as a secular state, assuring the freedom to practice and propagate religion without discrimination.
Fraternity
- Objective Resolution: The concept of fraternity is implicit in the Objective Resolution’s emphasis on a united India, where diversities are celebrated.
- Preamble: The Preamble explicitly mentions fraternity, emphasizing the need to promote a sense of brotherhood and unity among the people of India.
Conclusion
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objective Resolution and the Preamble to the Constitution of India, while distinct in their presentations, share a common thread of ideals that have shaped the nation’s identity.
Both documents reflect a commitment to democracy, justice, secularism, and unity in diversity.
The Objective Resolution served as a precursor, guiding the framers of the Constitution, while the Preamble crystallizes these principles into a concise and powerful statement that continues to be the moral compass of the Indian Republic.
Together, these documents provide the philosophical underpinnings that have guided India’s journey as a vibrant, diverse, and democratic nation.