Republic Day celebrated in TN southern districts

Madurai, Jan 26: Amid unprecedented tight security arrangements, the 59th Republic Day was celebrated in Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, today.

In Madurai, District Collector S S Jawahar unfurled the Tri-colour National Flag in a function held at the Armed Reserve Police Grounds, this morning.

Mr Jawahar distributed assistance to the tune of Rs 12.37 lakh to about 305 beneficiaries of various sections. Earlier, he accepted an impressive guard of honour presented by the Armed Reserve Police, Tamil Nadu Special Police, NSS and others.

About 200 freedom fighters were honoured in the event. Cultural programmes were staged by the students of various schools and colleges. The Collector also distributed medals to about 80 persons of various departments, including Police, Revenue and others.

In Ramanathapuram, District Collector R Kirlosh Kumar unfurled the Flag at the Seethakathi Sethupathy Grounds and distributed welfare measures to 184 beneficiaries amounting to Rs 33.30 lakh. Mr Kumar honoured 27 freedom fighters .

In Sivaganga, District Collector Pankaj Kumar Bansal unfurled the Flag and distributed welfare measures to 39 beneficiaries, amounting to Rs 7.16 lakh. Mr Bansal honoured about 100 freedom fighters.

In Dindigul, the District Collector R Vasuki unfurled the flag in a function and distributed welfare measures to 300 beneficiaries to the tune of Rs 26.67 lakh.

UNI