80th Independence Day: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Hoists Flag At Fort St George
CM Vijay hoists the national flag at Chennai Fort.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay hoisted the National Flag at the ramparts of Fort St George in Chennai on Saturday, marking the country's 80th Independence Day. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, Ministers, the Speaker and other dignitaries, with the National Anthem played after the flag was hoisted.
Vijay arrived at Fort St George amid a police escort and was received by senior officials, including the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary introduced the Chief Minister to senior officers of the three services before Vijay received a ceremonial police parade. He inspected the parade and greeted Ministers, the Speaker and other officials who had gathered for the Independence Day celebrations.
The Chief Minister then proceeded to the fort ramparts, where he hoisted the National Flag and paid his respects. His mother Shobana, father Chandrashekhar, actress Trisha and several other guests were also present at the ceremony. The event marked Vijay's first Independence Day address from the historic Fort St George after assuming office as Chief Minister.
In his address, Vijay paid tribute to freedom fighters and stressed the importance of unity in preserving India's independence. He argued that freedom extends beyond political independence and linked the idea to social cohesion and progress. He also described efforts to protect Tamil Nadu from bribery and corruption as being comparable to a form of liberation, asserting that his government was working towards that objective.
Vijay outlined his government's stated priorities, including transparent administration, action against corruption and drug-related concerns, women's safety and social justice. He emphasised that public welfare should remain the foremost consideration in governance and said his government would cooperate with the Centre on projects benefiting the people of Tamil Nadu while opposing decisions it considers detrimental to the state's interests.
The Chief Minister also announced that his government would continue and expand welfare programmes introduced by previous administrations. He cited the Amma Canteen scheme as one example, stating that it would be further improved. He also announced plans to expand the breakfast scheme to students from Classes 6 to 8, with the expanded programme scheduled to begin on September 17, Periyar's birth anniversary.
