Honouring of freedom fighters, recognition of commendable services of government employees and police personnel, distribution of welfare assistance and colourful cultural show by school students marked the 73rd Independence Day celebrations on Thursday.
In Ramanathapuram, Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao hoisting the national flag at the Armed Reserve Police ground and took the salute along with Superintendent of Police Omprakash Meena. After inspecting the guard of honour, he released a pair of pigeons to mark world peace.
After honouring freedom fighters with shawls, he honoured 137 government employees from different departments and 37 police personnel and six ministerial staff in recognition of their commendable and meritorious service.
He presented them with certificates of merit and appreciation.
He distributed welfare assistance worth ₹3.85 crore to 128 beneficiaries on behalf of various departments.
The celebrations drew to a close with a dance and cultural show by school students. Children from Jawahar Bal Bhavan stole the limelight with their scintillating folk performance.
Deputy Inspector General (Ramanathapuram range) Rupesh Kumar Meena, DRO S. Muthumari, Project Director, DRDA D. Getzi Leema Amalini, RDO R. Suman and Chief Educational Officer (CEO) P. Ayyannan were present.
Later, he addressed a gram sabha meeting at Medhalodai in Thirupullani block and took part in the ‘samabandhi’(community feast), organised at the Kunthukarai Murugan Temple.
In Sivaganga, Collector J. Jayakanthan hoisted the tri-colour and inspected the guard of honour with Superintendent of Police R. Rohit Nathan at the sports ground in the Collectorate complex. Later, he released a pair of pigeons and tri-colour balloons in the air.
He honoured freedom fighters by presenting shawls and distributed welfare assistance worth ₹2.30 crore to 188 beneficiaries.
He also honoured 225 government employees from various departments and 65 police personnel and ministerial staff for their commendable service.
DRO G. Latha, Project Director, DRDA Vadivel, Magalir Thittam Project Officer Arulmani and CEO Balumuthu were present.
Later, he addressed gram sabha meetings at Kovanoor and Kalayarkoil and took part in ‘samabandhi’ at a temple.
Independence Day celebrations were organised at INS Parundu, the Indian Naval Air Station, Mandapam Station of Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Naval detachment in Rameswaram and other government establishments in Ramanathapuram district.
Principal District Judge R. Shanmuga Sundaram unfurled the National Flag and addressed the court staff at the district court in Ramanathapuram.
Alagappa University Vice-Chancellor N. Rajendran hoisted the national flag and accepted the guard of honour presented by students and security staff in Karaikudi. Director N. Kalaiselvi hoisted the national flag at CECRI in Karaikudi.
College president V. Ayyappan hoisted the national flag at the KIT and KIM Technical campus at Karaikudi.
