District Collector Archana Patnaik distributed welfare schemes worth of Rs.2.08 crores at the Independence Day celebrations on Saturday. Parades, honouring the freedom fighters, and cultural programmes marked the Independence Day celebrations at the VOC Ground today.

Ms. Patnaik hoisted the national flag at 9 AM and received the guard of honour from the Independence Day parade by the Coimbatore City Police, Fire and Rescue Services, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Home Guards.

Following the parade, she felicitated the freedom fighters at the venue by presenting mementos to them. She handed over the welfare certificates to 222 beneficiaries under various government schemes. She also honoured the officials for their meritorious service. Students from ten different schools in the city took part in the cultural programmes.

Coimbatore City Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan and other officials took part in the event.