The three ideals of the French Revolution – Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity) – have had a profound influence on nationalist movements and the formation of constitutions worldwide, including the Indian Constitution. Let’s explore how these principles are reflected in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution:

1. Liberté (Liberty):

   • The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares that India is a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic,” which guarantees the fundamental right to liberty for all citizens.
   • This includes personal liberty, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, and various other civil and political liberties.
   • The Preamble’s commitment to liberty is further reinforced by the Constitution’s extensive Bill of Rights, which protects individual freedoms.

2. Egalité (Equality):

   • The Preamble of the Indian Constitution ensures “Justice, social, economic and political” for all citizens, which aligns with the principle of equality.
   • The Constitution also mandates the state to take affirmative action to uplift and empower disadvantaged and marginalized communities, thereby promoting social, economic, and political equality.
   • The Preamble’s pledge to secure “Equality of status and of opportunity” for all citizens reflects the commitment to achieving a more egalitarian society.

3. Fraternité (Fraternity):

   • The Preamble of the Indian Constitution explicitly mentions the goal of “assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation,” which encompasses the principle of fraternity.
   • The Constitution encourages a sense of brotherhood and unity among all citizens, irrespective of their differences in religion, language, culture, or social status.
   • The Preamble’s emphasis on “the unity and integrity of the Nation” reflects the desire to foster a shared national identity and a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation among all citizens.

The incorporation of these three revolutionary ideals – Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity – into the Preamble of the Indian Constitution demonstrates the significant influence of the French Revolution on the foundational principles of the Indian Republic. These values have been instrumental in shaping the country’s democratic, secular, and inclusive ethos, and continue to guide the nation’s pursuit of social justice, economic development, and national unity.