Tamil Nadu celebrates Republic Day

CHENNAI: The 67th Republic day was celebrated with fervour in Tamil Nadu with Governor K Rosaiah unfurling the national flag and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa presenting the annual awards to police personnel and civilians.

Rosaiah hoisted the national flag as Chetak helicopter of the Indian Air Force showered rose petals near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the famous Marina beach stretch.

The Governor later took the salute at an impressive march-past by contingents of the Armed forces, Navy, scouts and guides.

Cultural programmes by students clad in colourful attire and floats put up by various departments were presented on the occasion.

Several Tableaux by the defence forces, including that of Battle Tank Bhishma T-90s, Ajeya Tank, a replica of Indian Naval Ship Chennai, similar to INS Shivalik,were displayed in the parade.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa presented the Gandhi Adigal Awards, Anna Gallantry Medals and Kottai Ameer Award for communal harmony to various recipients.

Two of those who received the gallantry medals were Nagapattinam-based K Rishi who saved three children and Mohammad Yunus who rescued several persons during the floods that devastated Chennai in December last year.

Earlier, Rosaiah visited the Victory War Memorial and paid homage to martyred soldiers.