India Republic Day Parade 2024 LIVE Updates: PM Modi calls celebrations a 'spectacular parade showcasing India’s strength and diversity'

Republic Day 2024 Live: As the nation celebrates the 75th Republic Day today, the parade at the Kartavya Path in the national capital will be 'women-centric', indicating the roles played by women in various sectors.This year, India is commemorating its 75th Republic Day, marking the adoption of the constitution on January 26, 1950, and the attainment of sovereignty. The constituent assembly held its first session in December 1946 and the last session in November 1949, following which the constitution was enacted a year later with Dr BR Ambedkar as the head of the drafting committee.Dr Ambedkar came to be known as the 'Father of Constitution'.The theme of this year's Republic Day is 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat: Loktantra ki Matruka', which symbolise the country's aspirations and its role as the nurturer of democracy.Earlier, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said women marching contingents will form the major chunk of the parade, with most of the tableaux of States and Union Territories (UTs) and Central Ministries and Organisations showcasing the country's rich cultural diversity, unity and progress.He reiterated that the themes have been selected in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's views that 'India is truly a mother of democracy'.The parade, which will commence at 10.30am, will continue for around 90 minutes.For the first time, the parade will be heralded by 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade would commence with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. to be played by women artists. Stay with TOI for all latest updates -