Constitution showcased twice during 76th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path

New Delhi: Not once but twice, the Constitution of India on Sunday was rolled out on the Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade, marking 75 years of its existence defining the republic's journey and a renewed focus of the political class in their war of narratives.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Central Public Works Department chose the Constitution as their theme for the tableau for the coveted parade witnessed by the country's political and military leadership.

Constitution framer B R Ambedkar also found a place of pride in a flower carpet depiction celebrating 75 years of the Republic just opposite the main pavilion where President Droupadi Murmu and others watched the parade.

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The Constitution was a major campaign theme in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Designed as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's tableau was a unique blend of art, sculpture, and cultural diversity showcasing the document as the foundation of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity in India.

A Harappa motif, the Zebu Bull, Ashoka Pillar, and a rotating chakra on the foreground and the Constitution with the Preamble prominently displayed, showcased the intricate illustrations in the Constitution. The Zebu bull symbolises strength and leadership, Ashoka Pillar depicts resilience and unity, and the rotating chakra showed continuous progress.

Nandalal Bose's artistry in the Constitution has been prominently represented on sculpted panels. The intricately sculpted figures on the sides utilised the principle of optics that creates an impression of following the audience, thereby spreading the message of unity and brotherhood, officials said.

Live visuals of people from diverse walks of life -- farmer, lawyer, dancer, soldier, doctor, sanitation worker among others -- exemplified India's cultural inclusivity and the transformative power of the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen waving from the VIP enclosure when the tableau passed.

The CPWD came with a flower tableau that depicted the Constitution and Ashok Chakra as well as an image of Ambedkar and the audio of his 1946 speech – 'our difficulty is how to make the heterogeneous mass that we have today take a decision in common and march in a co-operative way on that road which is bound to lead us to unity' – playing in the background.