Chennai, Jan 26 (UNI) A rich tableaux of floats depicting

the various welfare measures and populist schemes of the

AIADMK government and pageantry marked the patriotic

fervour filled 72nd Republic Day Celebrations in Tamil

Nadu on Tuesday.

It was a muted celebrations with the government not allowing

cultural programmes by school and college students in view

of the corona pandemic.

Normally every year freedom fighters, general public,

school and college students would participate in the

R-Day celebrations.

Taking into account the prevailing unusual situation

arising out of the corona pandemic, cultural events

by school and college students were avoided this year.

Also taking into account the age factor and to prevent

spread of corona virus, district collectors were directed

to honour the freedom fighters at their respective houses

by presenting them shawls.

The government has made all arrangements for live telecast

of the R-Day celebrations in TV and AIR and the public,

school and college students and senior citizens were

advised not to throng the beach front to witness the

event.

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 Police 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 National Tricolour.

It was followed by a Coast Guard helicopter showering

petals on the function 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,

Tamil Nadu Commando Force (men and women), Coastal

Security Group, Tamil Nadu Fire Service, Home Guard,

NCC, Bharat Scouts participated.

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