Republic Day Festivities: TN Governor Raises National Flag at Marina Beach
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Synopsis
On January 26, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi hoisted the national flag at Marina Beach, honoring the state's Republic Day. The event highlighted cultural performances, military parades, and pressing socio-economic issues raised by the Governor.
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi unfurled the national flag at Marina Beach.
- The event featured a parade with armed forces and cultural performances.
- Governor raised concerns about university autonomy and socio-economic challenges.
- Tamil Nadu's suicide rate is alarmingly high.
- The state government boycotted the Governor's tea party in protest.
Chennai, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, raised the national flag at Marina Beach, adjacent to the Labour Statue, during the state’s Republic Day celebrations on Sunday.
Earlier, the Governor honored the fallen at the War Memorial on Kamarajar Salai by placing a wreath. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin welcomed the Governor with a bouquet at the Republic Day event held at Marina.
Following the national anthem, the Governor hoisted the flag as flower petals were released from an Indian Air Force helicopter. He also inspected a stunning parade featuring units from the armed forces.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Stalin awarded various honors, including the Anna Medal for Gallantry. The gathering included Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court Justice K.R. Shriram, state ministers, senior officials, and other notable figures.
The Republic Day tableaux showcased advanced military gear like the T-90 tank and bulletproof Light Specialist Vehicles. The ceremonial parade included contingents from the Coast Guard, Central Armed Police Forces, and units of the Tamil Nadu Police.
Vibrant cultural performances by school and college students highlighted the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu and celebrated the significance of the Tamil language and culture.
A central theme of the event was “Tamizhe Vazhga, Thaye Vazhga (Long Live Tamil, Long Live Mother Tamil)”.
It is worth noting that in his Republic Day address on January 25, Governor R.N. Ravi raised several pressing issues regarding Tamil Nadu’s socio-economic and administrative difficulties. He voiced concerns over the diminishing autonomy of universities, claiming that the state secretariat exercises considerable influence over university functions, including academic councils and appointments of vice chancellors. He also criticized the management of curricula and syllabi, stating they are now heavily influenced by the State Government Council for Higher Education.
Ravi pointed out the escalating threat posed by drug syndicates in the state, alleging links to international cartels. He expressed alarm over frequent reports of caste-based discrimination and violence against Dalits, including their exclusion from public spaces.
The Governor mentioned that economically, Tamil Nadu is no longer a top choice for private investment, lagging behind states like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. He attributed this decline to a fall in foreign direct investment, which he claimed hampers industrial advancement and job opportunities.
Ravi further highlighted the state’s alarming suicide rate, exceeding 26 per lakh of the population—more than double the national average. He referred to Tamil Nadu as the “suicide capital of India,” linking the issue to increasing socio-economic distress among the youth and the impoverished.
He also raised alarms about national security, referencing the National Investigation Agency’s findings of terrorist modules and sleeper cells associated with international terror networks operating in the state. Notably, the Tamil Nadu government chose to boycott the tea party hosted by the Governor on Republic Day in response to these statements.
