Chennai: A rich tableaux of floats depicting the various welfare measures and schemes of the State government and pageantry marked the patriotic fervour filled 70th Republic Day Celebrations in the city.
At a colourful function in front of the tastefully decorated Gandhi statue at Marina Beach front, Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the ceremonial march past. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami presented the Anna Medals for Gallantry and the Gandhi Adigalaar Medals to police personnel.
After the customary introduction of the officials of the Army, Navy, IAF, Coast Guard and Police department, the Governor unfurled the flag. It was followed by a Coast Guard helicopter showering petals on the venue.
The Governor took the salute at the ceremonial march past in which contingents of the Army, Navy and Air Force, Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, CISF, Railway Protection Force, Chennai City Police, Mounted Police, Tamilnadu Commando Force (men and women), Coastal Security Group, Tamilnadu Fire Service, Home Guard, NCC, Bharat Scouts and ex-servicemen participated.
The defence forces showcased their might by displaying the aircrafts, 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 Tamilnadu organised by the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, Information and Public Relations department added colour to the Republic day fete.
In all 16 departments, including Police, Information and Public Relations, took part in the pageantry of floats highlighting various welfare schemes of the government.
A float depicting the model of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s memorial in the form of a phoenix bird, was also displayed. The float displayed by the Information and Public Department was adjudged as the best float at the parade.
Representatives of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and IAF, the Chennai City Police Commissioner, Ministers, diplomats and dignitaries from various fields, participated in the event.
Photos: V M Srinivasan