CHENNAI: After a gap of seven days, Governor R. N. Ravi and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin came together on Monday for another customary event this time without friction during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in Chennai.
Ad 1
On a drizzly morning, the Governor was received by the Chief Minister with a floral bouquet at the Republic Day venue on Kamarajar Salai. The celebrations were organised by the State government in a colourful manner.
Governor Ravi unfurled the National Flag, following which rose petals were showered from a helicopter. After receiving the guard of honour and the tri-services parade, the Governor handed over the ceremonial baton to the Chief Minister, marking the continuation of the programme.
During the celebrations held near the Marina, the Chief Minister presented the Anna Medals for Gallantry to four persons, including a civilian. The awards are given annually to government servants and civilians for acts of exceptional bravery and carry a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, a medal, and a certificate.
This year’s recipients included V. Shankar, S. Rameshkumar and P. Suresh, personnel of the Fire and Rescue Services from Nilgiris district, who saved three lives from a river.
In the civilian category, the Anna Medal for Gallantry was awarded posthumously to Peter Johnson, who lost his life while rescuing two young boys from a river. The award was received by his wife A. Jesi.
Five police personnel were conferred the Gandhi Adigal Police Medal which carried a cash prize of Rs 40,000, medal, and certificate.
The awardees were P. Natarajan, Inspector, Central Intelligence Unit; M. Sathianandan, Sub-Inspector, Auroville Police Station; and S. Manikandan, K. Natarajan, and V. P. Kannan, Sub-Inspectors and Head Constable from Chinnasalem, Puthur, and Salem districts, respectively.
The C. Narayanasamy Naidu Award and the Kottai Ameer Ameer Award for best practices in the fields of agriculture and communal harmony were presented to G. Veeramani of Budalur block, Thanjavur district, and M. Kalimulla of Tiruppur district, respectively.
The Republic Day parade featured impressive tableaux, including miniatures of battle tanks and bullet-proof Light Specialist Vehicles. Contingents from the Indian Coast Guard, Central Armed Police Forces, and various units of the Tamil Nadu Police participated in the ceremonial parade. As many as 20 government departments showcased their achievements through tableaux.
Colourful cultural programmes presented by school and college students highlighted the richness of Tamil language and culture. The performances were themed around the celebrated line “Engal Vazhvilum Engal Valamum Mangatha Tamizh Endru Sange Muzhangu”, penned by Pavendar Bharathidasan, which served as the key concept song for the event.