Chennai, Jan 26 (IANS) Tamil Nadu celebrated the 63rd Republic Day with patriotic fervour Thursday with Governor K. Rosaiah unfurling the national flag at the Marina beach here.

Rosaiah also took the salute from the three wings of armed forces and other security agencies.

Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, her ministers and a large mass of people enjoyed the various floats and dances by school and college students dressed in colourful attires.

Across the state, district collectors unfurled the national flag and took salute from police contingents.

Jayalalithaa came to the venue few minutes ahead of the Rosaiah, accepting Republic Day greetings from the people gathered there.

She welcomed Rosaiah and introduced senior officers of the military and police forces.

Rosaiah then unfurled the national flag at around 8 a.m.

Later Jayalalithaa presented the Anna Medal for Gallantry to Divisional Fire Officer N. Priya Ravichandran, who sustained serious burn injuries while battling a fire in a government building here.

Fireman E. Anbazhagan, who was killed, and fireman R. Murugan, who suffered burn injuries in the same incident, were also presented with Anna Medals for Gallantry.

Anbazhagan’s daughter received the award from Jayalalithaa.

Harish Kumar and Ravi of Tiruppur were presented with gallantry medals for foiling a bank robbery.

The award carries Rs.100,000 and a certificate.