Colourful cultural events marked the 66th Republic Day celebrations at Anna Stadium in Palayamkottai on Monday.
Collector M. Karunakaran unfurled the national flag, handed over welfare assistance to the tune of Rs. 42.05 lakh to 65 persons and honoured freedom fighters. Meritorious officials and sportspersons received certificates from the Collector who took salute from the police, forest, fire and rescue services personnel, NCC cadets and Home Guards.
Twenty-nine Head Constables received medals from the Collector for meritorious services. Students from three higher secondary schools and as many colleges presented the colourful programme.
The police had made elaborate security arrangements since a youth, in a bid to attract the attention of the officials to his grievance, attempted to immolate himself during the last Independence Day celebrations held at the same venue. The visitors were frisked by police personnel with hand-held metal detectors at the entrance.
In the Republic Day celebrations held at the Corporation, Mayor E. Bhuvaneshwari hoisted the national flag in the presence of Commissioner R. Lakshmi.Tuticorin
Collector M. Ravikumar unfurled the national flag and inspected the guard of honour with Superintendent of Police M. Durai on the District Police Grounds.
He extended financial assistance to the tune of Rs.36.05 lakh to 83 beneficiaries under various schemes. Heirs of freedom fighters were honoured. Forty police personnel received Chief Minister’s medals.Nagercoil
Kanyakumari Collector Sajjansingh R. Chavan unfurled the national flag and inspected the guard of honour along with the Superintendent of Police N. Manivannan on the Sethu Lakshmi Bai Government Higher Secondary School ground in Nagercoil.
Mr. Chavan gave issued pension order to freedom fighter A. Raphael of Mullanginavilai in Vilavancode taluk. As many as 178 government officials, employees and local body representatives were given appreciation certificates. Forty-seven Head Constables selected for Chief Minister’s Constabulary Medal were given medals. Twenty Home Guards were honoured.
Thirteen Village Assistants, who completed 10 years of service, were given promotion order as Village Administrative Officers. Eleven officials and employees were given plaques and certificates of merit for their service in National Population Registry. Three anganwadi employees were given State awards. Three persons were given certificate of honour for social service.
As many as 108 beneficiaries were given various welfare measures worth Rs. 10.47 lakh.