Seven-year-old “Tiger” and five-year-old “Lily” were the centre of attraction enthralling the audience with their sharp olfactory senses.
Not many in the city would have got a chance to see these two well-trained Labradors in action or their impeccable skills on display.
Springing into action at the command of their masters, the detective dogs of the Tiruchi City Police simply floored the early morning walkers, joggers and others assembled along the vehicle-free Anna Nagar Link road stretch with their agility.
‘Car Free Sundays’ an initiative of The Hindu Tamil jointly with the Tiruchi Corporation and the Tiruchi City Police served as the perfect platform for residents to enjoy on a vehicle-free stretch the performances of the two obedient canines which carried out their assigned tasks detecting explosives materials and narcotic substance concealed in the open area.
The three-hour long programme saw a slew of off-stage events. The show saw a group of residents perform various asanas under the supervision of yoga guru Manoj Acharya of the Mansa Yoga Studio.
The rhythmic Zumba dance featured as part of the show drove home the importance of staying fit - physically and mentally.
Even as a band of youngsters were performing the ‘Silambattam’ on one side, the other stretch saw students playing chess and kids indulging in skating. The programme also featured a self-defence show by the Tiruchi City Police.
The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad of the City Police also presented a mock exercise on the ways of safely removing explosive substances planted beneath the ground and " inside a VIP vehicle" using anti-sabotage equipment besides handling a suicide bomber.
The car-free Sunday initiative provides a safe and secure space free of vehicles for the people of Tiruchi to enjoy and display their talents and make new friends, said John Ashok Varadarajen, Chair, Young Indians, Tiruchi Chapter who was the chief guest.
The Young Indians would make use of this initiative to create awareness among people on organ donation, blood donation and child sexual abuse in the weeks to come, he said.
Mark – 1 is the Event Manager for the show. Citizens interested in displaying their talents in the forthcoming weeks can contact K. Venkatesan – 94431-80834 and D. Padmanabhan 94432-33054 of The Hindu , Tiruchi.
