Tamil Nadu celebrated the 63rd Republic Day with patriotic fervour Thursday with Governor K Rosaiah unfurling the national flag in Chennai, in the presence of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Rosaiah also took the salute from the three wings of armed forces and other security agencies. Jayalalithaa, her ministers and a large mass of people enjoyed the various floats and dances by school and college students dressed in colourful attires.

Three personnel of the Tamil Nadu Fire  and Rescue Services department, who displayed exemplary courage in putting out the fire at ‘Khalas Mahal’, an heritage structure built during the colonial period,  on January 15, were presented the State government’s Anna Medal for Gallantry.

In the tragic fire mishap in Khalas Mahal, housing various government departments, Leading Fireman of the Teynampet Fire  Station K Anbalagan was killed, while battling to bring the
fire under control.

Divisional Fire Officer Priya Ravichandran and  R Murugan, Station Fire Officer of Ashok Nagar Fire Station, sustained burns and injuries and were undergoing treatment.

In recognition of their exemplary courage displayed by  them, the State government chose all the three for the Anna Medal for Gallantry. At the 63rd Republic Day celebrations today, Jayalalithaa presented the medals to them.