Pomp, gaiety marks Republic Day celebrations in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: The 65th Republic Day was celebrated here with usual pomp and gaiety with Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah unfurling the national flag and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa giving away annual awards to police personnel and civilians.

Rosaiah hoisted the national tri-colour and took the salute at an impressive march-past by members of the armed forces, state police divisions and scouts and guides among others on the stretch along the famous Marina beach.

Cultural events such as folk dances from Tamil Nadu, Manipur and Gujarat were also presented by college students and others with the Marina stretch being decked up for the special occasion.

The parade was commanded by Wing Commander Kamal Singh Obad. Among the tableaux presented by the defence forces were Arjun and T-72 battle tanks.

Jayalalithaa presented the Gandhi Adigal Awards, Anna Gallantry Medals and Kottai Ameer Award for Communal Harmony to various recipients. Each of these carried cash reward and medals.

A farmer from Erode district, N Parameswaran, was honoured for ensuring the maximum crop yield under the System of Rice Intensification. He was presented a cheque of Rs five lakh and a certificate by the Chief Minister.

Later, various state government departments showcased their public initiative efforts, highlighting them by way of tableaux and pageants.

Tight security arrangements were made here as thousands of people, young and old, thronged the Kamarajar Salai along the Marina to witness the grand display.

Earlier, Rosaiah visited the nearby Victory War Memorial and paid homage to martyred soldiers. He laid a wreath in the presence of senior officials from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.