Thanjavur:The 70th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour in the delta district of Thanjavur today. District Collector Annadurai hoisted the national flag during the function held at the Armed Reserve Police grounds.

Earlier, accompanied by the SP J Mahesh, the collector inspected the parade of police, volunteers of home guards, and the NCC cadets, and accepted the ‘guard of honour’. The collector distributed welfare assistances to the tune of Rs. 34.71 lakhs to 194 beneficiaries, and also honoured 60 freedom fighters and their heirs by presenting them with shawls.

The students of various schools presented cultural programmes on the occasion.

The City Corporation Mayor Savithri Gopal, District Panchayat chairperson Amudharani Ravichandran, Thanjavur Ranger DIG of Police Senthil Kumar, District Revenue Officer P Chandrasekaran, Corporation Commissioner Varadharaj, Revenue Divisional Officer Jai Bheem, Assistant Collector (Trainee) Prasad, DRDA Project Director Srinivasan, and Thanjavur Medical College Dean Vanithamani were among the participants.

Later, Collector Annadurai took part in the Grama Sabha meeting held at Ramanathapuram Panchayat, and the ‘Samabandhi’ (common feast) held at the famous Punnainallur Mariamman temple.