Solemn moment: Governor R.N. Ravi after unfurling the Tricolour on the Republic Day in Chennai on Sunday. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is also seen. B. Jothi Ramalingam
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

On Republic Day on Sunday, Governor R.N. Ravi unfurled the national flag in Chennai in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and other dignitaries.

As the Governor and the Chief Minister stood saluting, the national anthem was sung and a helicopter showered flower petals over the national flag near the Labour Statue. An impressive ceremonial march past marked the spirit of the celebrations. As per protocol, the Chief Minister received the Governor with a bouquet of flowers.

As per the custom, the Chief Minister introduced senior officers from the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard and the Tamil Nadu police to the Governor. The Governor and the Chief Minister sat next to each other, and took part in the celebrations, notwithstanding the former’s remarks during his Republic Day speech on Saturday and the government’s response to them. Speaker M. Appavu; Madras High Court Chief Justice K.R. Shriram; Ministers Duraimurugan and Udhayanidhi Stalin; Deputy Speaker K. Pitchandi; Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam; and Advocate-General P.S. Raman, among others, were present on the dais.

Awards presented

Mr. Stalin gave away various awards. Leading Fireman K. Vetrivel, who rescued three persons from drowning in Adyar in Chennai in November last year, received the Anna Medal for Gallantry, 2025. S.A. Ameer Amsa, who has assisted in the burial of over 1,000 bodies so far, received the Kottai Ameer Award, 2025. R. Murugavel of Theni district received the Narayanasamy Naidu Paddy Productivity Award.

Inspector P. Chinnakamanan; head constables K. Mahamarx and K. Karthick; and Grade II police constables K. Siva and P. Poomalai received the Gandhi Adigal police medals individually. Madurai City, Tiruppur City and Tiruvallur district police units received the top three honours of the Chief Minister’s trophies for the best police stations in the State, respectively.

Later, the Governor, along with the Chief Minister and other dignitaries, witnessed the cultural events performed by schoolchildren and the youth. Children danced for ‘Thamizhe Vaazhga, Thaaye Vaazhga’ penned by late Tamil poet ‘Paavendar’ Bharathidasan. Air Force officer Wing Commander Sarthak Budhia, who commanded the parade, was introduced to the Governor.

In a social media post, Mr. Stalin shared a video clipping of him receiving the Governor at the saluting base.

“Let us cherish the foundation of our Constitution that ensures justice, equality, and dignity for all. May this day remind us of our shared duty to create a progressive, inclusive, and compassionate #INDIA. Wishing everyone a Republic Day filled with hope and purpose.”