The Tricolour went up to a ceremonial salute in Coimbatore city at 8.50 a.m. on Saturday (August 15), with District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar hoisting the National Flag at the V.O.C. Grounds, marking the start of Independence Day celebrations in the city.

He handed over certificates of appreciation to 401 government employees and police personnel for their exemplary service and honoured the descendants of freedom fighters.

The awardees included 222 employees from various government departments, 77 personnel from the Coimbatore City Police, and 102 personnel from the district police.

A women’s safety mock drill was conducted by the Singappen Special Force in collaboration with students of Avinashilingam College, highlighting measures to ensure women’s safety in public places and educational institutions. Cultural programmes involving more than 800 school and college students were also organised.

During the Independence Day celebrations organised at Victoria Town Hall, the Coimbatore Corporation honoured students who secured top marks in public exams as well as employees with outstanding service records.

Mayor K. Ranganayaki Ramachandran, in the presence of Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja, hoisted the National Flag.

The Mayor presented a cash reward of ₹3,200 each and certificates to 48 conservancy workers who had completed 25 years of service. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to 132 Corporation officials and employees for their performance.

Eight Corporation school students who secured top marks in Class 10 and Class 12 public examinations in 2025-26 were honoured. Headteachers of five Corporation schools that recorded a 100% pass rate in Class 10 exam were also presented with appreciation certificates.

Ooty fete

In Udhagamandalam, the Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru hoisted the National Flag and reviewed the police parade at Government Arts College ground. She presented certificates of appreciation to 152 staff from various government departments for their outstanding service.

The District Collector also distributed welfare assistance worth ₹97.55 lakh to 16 beneficiaries under various government schemes.

Published - August 15, 2026 08:28 pm IST