Republic Day 2026: Tamil Nadu governor unfurls national flag in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Monday unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the ceremonial parade during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in Chennai.
Chief Minister MK Stalin was present at the celebrations and had arrived at the venue earlier in the day, as visuals showed senior officials and dignitaries assembling for the occasion.
During the event, the Chief Minister presented several awards and medals in recognition of exemplary service across various fields.
These included the prestigious Anna medal for Gallantry, the Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award, and the Special Award by the Department of Agriculture to a farmer for outstanding contribution. Police personnel were also honoured with the Adigal Police medal for distinguished service.
In addition, Chief Minister’s trophies for the best police stations in the state were awarded to Madurai City, Tiruppur City and Coimbatore District.
In a video message on the occasion, Governor Ravi extended Republic Day greetings and paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters and members of the Constituent Assembly. “We remember with a profound sense of gratitude our countless freedom fighters who sacrificed for the freedom of Bharat Mata. We also pay homage to the Constituent Assembly, which gave us a powerful and resilient Constitution,” he said, adding that India’s constitutional institutions have grown stronger with time and are the foundation of a robust democracy.
Highlighting India’s global rise, the Governor said the world is watching the emergence of a new Bharat as the fastest-growing major economy.
He cited progress in poverty reduction, start-ups, science and technology, defence production, renewable energy and digital payments, noting that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy.
He also underlined Tamil Nadu’s role in infrastructure growth, rail modernisation and port and airport expansion.