N. Surya Kumar, a Chennai-based mechanic, was presented with the Anna Medal for Gallantry for nabbing a criminal.

On the night of April 17, Dr. Amutha Arumugam was at her Anna Nagar clinic as usual. All of a sudden, a criminal, Janakiraman, snatched her gold chain and escaped. She raised an alarm.

Surya Kumar, a worker in a mechanic shop situated opposite the clinic, heard her cries and saw a man coming out of the clinic, running fast.

Without a thought, Surya Kumar chased the offender and caught him within a short distance. For his bravery, he was awarded the medal at the 70th Republic Day celebrations in Chennai.

Saving lives

The gallantry award was also presented to G. Ranjithkumar of Bodinaickanur for saving the lives of eight people during the forest fire in Kurangani and R. Sridhar from Thanjavur district for saving six persons from drowning in the Vellangi Lake despite having no formal training in swimming.

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami presented the award which includes a cheque of ₹1 lakh, a medal and a certificate.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurled the tricolour.

Scores of youngsters, children and families lined up on either side of Kamarajar Salai along the Marina Beach to witness the ceremonial marchpast and various cultural programmes by students on the occasion of the 70th Republic Day celebrations in Chennai on Saturday.

Policemen awarded

Five policemen — R. Vetharethinam (ASP, Cuddalore district) and Prakash (Inspector, Krishnagiri district), Rajendran (SI, Vikkiramangalam police station), Thirukumar (SSI, Gandhi Market Police station) and P. Gopi (head constable, Sendamangalam police station) — received the Gandhi Adigal Police Medal from the Chief Minister for their work in curtailing illicit liquor trade in Tamil Nadu.

They were given ₹40,000 and a medal.

S. Xavier, a farmer from Vadavalam post, Therku Chettiyapatti village of Pudukkottai district, was given a special award by the Department of Agriculture, for obtaining the highest yield in the State using the Rice Intensification Method in paddy cultivation.

He was awarded with ₹5 lakh and a medal.

The hour-long programme was enjoyed by enthusiastic crowds who were seen egging on the schoolchildren to perform before the galleries they were seated in.