R-Day celebrated in TN with patriotic fervour

Chennai

At a colourful function in front of the tastefully decorated Gandhi Statue at Marina Beach, Governor Dr K Rosaiah unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the ceremonial march past.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa presented the Anna  Medals for Gallantry and the Gandhi Adigalaar Police Medals to police personnel.

After the customary introduction of the officials of the Army, Navy, IAF, Coast Guard and Police department, Dr Rosaiah unfurled the National Tricolour.

It was followed by a Coast Guard helicopter showering petals on the function venue.

The Governor took the salute at the ceremonial march past in which contingents of the Army, Navy and Air Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Railway Protection Force, Chennai City Police, Mounted Police, Tamil Nadu Commando Force (men and women), Coastal Security Group, Tamil Nadu Fire Service, Home Guard, NCC, Bharat Scouts and ex-servicemen participated.

The defence forces showcased their might by displaying the T-90 battle tanks, besides, ships and helicopters.

A carnival of school and college students and cultural programmes, including the various dance forms of several states and folk dances of Tamil Nadu organised by the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, Information and  Public Relations department added colour to the Republic day fete.

In all 14 departments, including Police, Information and Public Relations, took part in the pageantry of floats, highlighting various welfare schemes of the government.

The float displayed by the Police Department was adjudged as the best float at the parade, followed by the Information and Public Department.

After a fly past by the IAF aircrafts, the Chief Secretary introduced the Parade Commander to the Governor which was followed by the National Anthem.


Later colourful balloons were released in the air, bringing an end to the Republic day fete, in which representatives of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and IAF, the Chennai City Police Commissioner,  Ministers, diplomats and dignitaries from various fields, participated.

Elsewhere in the state and in the districts, the Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour.

Collectors hoisted the National Flag in their respective districts and inspected the Guard of Honour.

The day was also celebrated in various central and state government institutions like Southern Railway, Madras High Court, Income-Tax, Central Excise, RBI, Chennai Port Trust, Indian Oil Corporation, Rajaji Bhavan and Shastri Bhavan housing various Central government departments, and AGS office.

Leaders of various political parties also unfurled the National Flag in their respective party offices and addressed their party workers.

The Republic Day celebrations were also organised in various schools and educational institutions with the hoisting of the national flag and distribution of chocolates.