A Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic ( Salient Features of Indian Constitution)

A Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic
The Preamble to the Constitution of India declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic.
a. The term Sovereign literally means the ultimate superior, who recognises no master and the term “Sovereign State” means a State which have a defined territory that administers its own government and is not subject to or dependent on another power.
b. The term Socialism is used in democratic as well as socialistic constitutions. It has no definite meaning. In general, it means a system under which the means of production and distribution are State-owned. India does not go by the traditional meaning of the term.
What is meant by the term socialism in India?
It means a Socialist pattern of the society in which equal opportunities are provided
to each individual for their progress.
c. The term “Secularism” means that the State in India has no religion of its own. It treats all the religions equally. In the matter of religion the State is neutral.
The term ‘Secular’ was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
The Preamble of Our Constitution secures to all citizens of India liberty of belief, faith and worship.
d. The term “Democracy” is commonly used to mean such type of Government which is selected by the people of the state and which is for the people. The Indian Constitution has given this right to every citizen who attains the age of 18 years to select their government by giving them the right to vote.
e. The term “Republic” means “a State in which the supreme power rests in the people and their elected representative or officers, as opposed to one governed by King or a similar ruler.”