Hoisting of the Tri-colour by District Collector T.N. Hariharan, cultural programmes by students, presentation of awards, distribution of welfare assistance and honouring of freedom fighters marked the 72nd Indepedence Day celebrations on the V.O.C. Grounds here on Wednesday.
Children from ten government and private schools enthralled the audience with patriotic songs and various cultural events.
Pyramid
The pyramid formed by the students of Sree Dharmasastha Matriculation Higher Secondary School received a big applause from the audience.
Over 1000 students, guided by over 100 teachers and physical education directors, participated in various events.
The Collector honoured freedom fighters with shawls, and gave away welfare assistance to 304 persons, including Old Age Pension to 124 senior citizens from Mettupalayam taluk.
The welfare assistance worth ₹44.23-lakh was distributed through 11 government departments. Government officials and employees were given certificates for meritorious service.
Inspector-General of Police (West Zone) A. Paari, Deputy Inspector of General of Police (Coimbatore Range) G. Karthikeyan, Coimbatore, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner K. Periaiah, Superintendent of Police (Coimbatore Rural) R. Pandiarajan and District Revenue Officer Durai Ravichandran were present.
Tirupur
Distribution of welfare assistance worth ₹53 lakh among 233 beneficiaries marked the celebrations in Tirupur. Collector K.S. Palanisamy hoisted the Tri-colour at the Chikkanna Government Arts College.
Freedom fighters were also honoured at the celebrations at which 100 officials from various government departments were give certificates for meritorious service.
Over 900 students from nine government and private schools performed various cultural events. They were given prizes and certificates. Tirupur City Police Commissioner S. Manoharan, Tirupur Rural SP A. Kayalvizhi, and District Revenue Officer S. Prasanna Ramasamy were present.
Udhagamandalam
Traditional dance by members of indigenous communities in the Nilgiris, including the Todas and the Kotas and cultural programmes by students marked the celebrations organised in Udhagamandalam by the Nilgiris district administration.
The Nilgiris Collector Innocent Divya unfurled the national flag. Welfare assistance worth ₹5.68 lakh was given to 11 beneficiaries.
A couple was felicitated for encouraging both their sons to join the Army. Welfare assistance was provided to a few others for allowing their sons to undergo training to become officers in the Army. The Collector also gave away certificates for meritorious service to over 160 government officials, including those from the police. A function was also held at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
