The 64th Republic Day celebrations held here on Saturday saw over 1,000 children from various schools and colleges presenting cultural programmes.
Soon after hoisting the national flag, District Collector Anshul Mishra, accompanied by Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan, inspected a guard of honour. Police demonstrated how sniffer dogs track narcotics. The fire-jumping show drew a round applause from the guests.
The Collector presented shawls to 75 freedom fighters, while the revenue officials honoured their legal heirs and relatives with sweets and savouries.
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As many as 88 police personnel were presented with Chief Minister’s Police Medal for their meritorious service. The Collector also gave away shield and a certificate to 59 government officials.
Inspector General of Police (south zone) Abhay Kumar Singh, Commissioner of Police Sanjay Mathur, DIG of Police (Madurai Range) B. Bala Naga Devi, DCP (law and order) R. Thirunavukkarasu, Project Director (DRDA) Arun Sundar Dayalan and a host of officials witnessed the cultural programmes at the Armed Reserve Police Grounds.
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As a part of the R-Day functions, all the panchayats in the district held gram sabha meetings. Mr. Anshul Mishra participated in a meeting at Yeliarpathi village near Thiruparankundram panchayat union.
Elected representatives, panchayat officials and villagers participated in large numbers. The meeting, among others, discussed the expenditure account of the panchayat between Oct-Dec 2012.
The merits of keeping the environment clean and green, the need for children (under-14) to attend schools was highlighted. The villagers wanted more basic amenities and new buildings. Depending on the fund allocation and public needs, the Collector assured that it would be take up. There was a huge turnout of womenfolk in the gram sabha meet.