R-Day: CM presents gallantry awards

Chennai, Jan 26: Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala unfurled the national flag and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi presented the gallantry awards as part of the 59th Republic Day celebrations here today.

Mr Barnala took the salute at the ceremonial march past followed by flypast by Indian Airforce aircrafts. Indian Coast Guard helicopter showered petals on the function venue.

Contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Ex-Servicemen, Central Reserve Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Railway Protection Force, Chennai City Police, Mounted Police, Tamil Nadu Commando Force, Tamil Nadu Fire Service, Home Guard, NCC and Bharat Scout took part in the march past.

Mr Karunanidhi distributed Anna Medal for Gallantry-2008 to five persons, including two government servants for their act of bravery.

Other awards, including Kottai Ameer communal harmony award and Gandhi Adigal police medal were given to the outstanding people in their respective fields.

Students belonging to four schools and three colleges and artists from the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, and Information and Public Relations Department presented cultural programmes.

A total of 20 departments took part in the pageantry of floats, highlighting various schemes being implemented by the state government.

The Governor would host tea for dignitaries in the evening.

UNI