our constitution starts with “we the people of india” and highlights the basic structure of constitution with the words such as “Sovereignty, Secularism and Fraternity” in the preamble.

SOVEREIGNTY

We the people of India refers about Sovereignty of the people of India.

• Sovereignty means the people of india is supreme and Govt. of India can exercise there power in entire territory of India, Sovereignty also means Government of India is not subordinate to any external agency whether it is Foreign Nation, United Nation etc.
• We the people means constitution is for the people the people of india but people are not source of any power of government (Keshvanand Bharti case). logically means we the people of india are not entitle to make law or referendum for any act of Govt.

Secularism

Secular state is an extension of idea of equality and liberty, because liberty stand for freedom of choice including freedom of conscience and faith, Every citizen is free to choose his/her worship and constitution gives us freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion (Article 25)

There is two model of secularism

1. American model – Secular state is based complete detachment between state and religion, Therefore neither state is allowed in the activity of religion nor religion is allowed in the activity of state
2. French model – Secular state separation is one sided where state is allowed to regulate activities of religion but not religion could.

India is somewhere closer to French model of secularism because state is allowed to interfere in the religious activity but it also somewhere provide some autonomy to religion also. Indian model is based on the equal respect towards every religion, moreover (Article 29-30) gives special protection for the people belonging to minority community.

Fraternity

Equality and social justice are basic condition for the promotion of Fraternity among the people of india, it is an sprit of brotherhood among the citizens, Unity symbolises the physical and territorial unity but fraternity is a matter of psychological and emotional bond with the nation.

• Armed forces are deployed for maintaining territorial unity but psychological unity/fraternity is essential for ensuring security of India.
• Example – Recent violence in Manipur is greater challenge for the unity/integrity/fraternity of India.

As we see the term Sovereignty, Secularism and Fraternity is the basic structure of our constitution and which cannot be amended by the act of parliament, as well as they are the basic feature of our constitution which allows inclusivity in our country.