Chennai: In a first, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit today unfurled the Indian tricolour at the Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Independence Day.
“On the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day, Governor Purohit unfurled the national flag for the first time at Raj Bhavan,” a Raj Bhavan release said.
Generally, a Governor unfurls the tricolour only on Republic Day, January 26 during a colourful ceremony here at the Marina.
Purohit expressed joy over unfurling the flag for the first time at Raj Bhavan, his official residence, the release said. Unfurling the flag in the presence of senior Raj Bhavan officials, including Additional Chief Secretary R Rajagopal, and his staff, the Governor recalled the contribution of various freedom fighters in the country’s independence struggle, it said.
He pointed out that many persons sacrificed their lives during the country’s freedom struggle and said Mahatma Gandhi and former President, the late A P J Abdul Kalam, were “examples” in public life.
Purohit recalled his earlier association with Kalam in the Defence Consultative Committee and said, “He led a very simple life.”
in a separate Independence Day message, the Governor extended his greetings to the people of the State.
“On this day, we recall with gratitude the supreme contribution of our freedom fighters. It is important to utilise the freedom that was won after long years of struggle, sacrifice and suffering for the benefit of our countrymen.”
“May patriotism fill our thoughts and care and concern for our people dominate our hearts,” he said.
BREAK FROM TRADITION
Governor Banwarilal Purohit hoisting the national flag at Raj Bhavan was a break from tradition established in 1974. Before that year, it was the practice for governors to hoist the flag at the official Independence Day event of the State government. But, with the efforts of former chief minister M Karunanidhi, this privilege was later given to chief ministers of the country. Karunanidhi passed away last week.