Wednesday, January 26 2005 11:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The country's 56th Republic Day celebrations were held on a low key in Tamil Nadu today (Jan 26, 2005), in view of the December 26 Tsunami, which claimed about 8000 lives in the state, besides rendering thousands homeless.

Cultural programmes and floats, depicting achievements and development of the state and which attract men, women and children in large numbers each year to the Republic Day fanfare, was missing in the state capital and at some district level celebrations.

Hoisting of the national flag and ceremonial march-pasts by contingents of the Armed forces, paramilitary forces, various units of the state police, home guards, ex-servicemen, NCC and Bharat Scouts and guides were witnessed by large gatherings, amidst tight security.

In the state capital, the Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala unfurled the tricolour on the famous Marina Beach Road before a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at 08:00 hrs (IST) and took the salute at an impressive march past, witnessed by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, her Ministerial colleagues, high military and civil officers and people lined on either side of the road.

The Armed forces, paramilitary forces, state police units and home guards, among others, marched to music played by their respective bands and led by Sqn Ldr J S Sangwan.

The floats on display included the Army's 'Bhishma', a multi-purpose All Terrain Tank, manufactured by the Heavy Vehicles Factory at suburban Avadi, the high performance 'Chetak' helicopter, which played a key role in Tsunami rescue operations, MIG-27, with the capability of delivering cluster bombs, and a surface to air missile.