It was an all-women show at the 69th Republic Day celebrations at the Madras High Court with women commandos of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) displaying stunning acts of daredevilry.
The commandos held the gathering spellbound by pulling off spectacular gymnastic feats, besides highlighting their deftness in handling weapons blindfolded and ability to descend high rises with the help of ropes.
What added more colour to the celebrations was the presence of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee, only the second woman judge to hold the coveted post in the 155-year-old history of the High Court after Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar, who was the Chief Justice of the chartered High Court for five months between June 15 and November 14, 1992.
Ms. Justice Banerjee unfurled the national tricolour.
In her address, the Chief Justice sprang a surprise by speaking several lines in Tamil while delivering her speech. The gathering greeted it with loud applause when she began addressing her companion judges as: “En Sagodhara Sagodhiri Needhipadhigale.”
She went on to state that the country had one of the best Constitutions in the world and that it was a woman- friendly document that stood for equality, irrespective of sex.
Hailing the rich contribution of Tamils towards the freedom movement and pointing out that as many as three Tamils, including Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan from the erstwhile Madras Presidency, K. Venkataraman and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had held the office of the President, she said: “Tamilargalaagiya Neengal Migavum Perumai Pada Vendum. (Tamils should be proud of the fete).
Later, CISF personnel began displaying their skills. It started with a dog squad member Badal inviting the Chief Justice with a bouquet.
