On the occasion of Republic Day on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurled the national flag at the Marina beach front, in the presence of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Madras High Court Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal and other dignitaries.
Soon after he placed a wreath at the War Memorial on Rajaji Salai, the Governor arrived for the celebrations near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Kamarajar Salai, where he was received by Mr. Palaniswami. After a brief introduction to senior officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the Tamil Nadu Police, Mr. Purohit unfurled the national flag.
As the gathering sung the national anthem, an Air Force helicopter showered flower petals on the venue. The Republic Day parade, which was a low-key affair this year due to the COVID-19 scenario, witnessed fewer marching contingents and there were no cultural events from school and college students, a regular feature every year otherwise.
During the ceremonial march past, contingents from the Army, Army Band, the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, Ex-Servicemen, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Central Industrial Security Force, the Railway Police Force and various wings of the Tamil Nadu Police, the Home Guards (Men and Women), impressed the gathering. Later, the Chief Minister handed over various medals to recipients.
An acrobatic display by personnel from the Tamil Nadu Police enthralled the audience. The cultural extravaganza by troupes from the South Zone Cultural Centre of the Union Ministry of Culture reflecting the rich cultural heritage of various States of the country, added to the pomp and gaiety. A procession of floats from various State government departments showcased the services of these respective departments to the people.
The event concluded with the national anthem. Wing Commander Kushhal Kalja was the Parade Commander of the Republic Day parade.